Vitalik Buterin Donates to Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has become the "adoptive father" of the viral pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng after donating at least 10,000,000 Thai baht (approximately $293,000 USD, or about 88 ETH) to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which houses the artiodactyl.
The donation aims to support "the operations of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, the Wildlife Sponsorship Program, and the development of a dedicated exhibit for Moo Deng and her family," according to a letter Buterin posted to X.
This generous act results from Buterin's visit to the zoo, acknowledging the "wonderful hospitality of Thailand and the Thai people" during Ethereum events held in the country in 2024, including November's Devcon SEA conference.
"On behalf of the whole Ethereum ecosystem, I would like to offer our thanks and a gesture of friendship to all of the country… What better way to do that than through a Christmas present to someone who is dear to all Thai people, Moo Deng, who has become one of the most unexpected and important Thai celebrities on the world stage," Buterin wrote.
In response to Buterin's donation, the zoo's X account expressed, "We look forward to working with you over the next 2 years for the benefit of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo community & all our visitors."
Moo Deng is a pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered species much smaller than its relatives, the common hippopotamus. The name, chosen through a public poll, translates to "bouncy pork" or "bouncy pig" in English. The months-old animal gained international fame in 2024, thanks to viral videos and images showcasing her playful, energetic nature—especially those where she attempts to bite her caretakers.
Moo Deng has also become a celebrity in the crypto world, linked to a prominent memecoin bearing her name, recently added to Coinbase's listing roadmap. The token currently has a market capitalization of over $270 million, down from its all-time high of over $614 million on Nov. 15, according to The Block's Moo Deng Price Page.
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