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Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has added another chapter to his philanthropic endeavors by becoming the adoptive father of Moo Deng, a viral pygmy hippopotamus at Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
Buterin donated 10 million Thai baht (approximately $290,000) to the zoo's Wildlife Sponsorship Program, marking a significant contribution to the care and welfare of the endangered species.
"I'm happy to be adoptive father to Moo Deng as she grows up over the next 2y and support her with my 10M THB donation, maybe more as I set aside 88 ETH for 🦛 + frens. May they live long and prosper 🖖🏻," Buterik said on X.
Thank you Vitalik Buterin @VitalikButerin for joining the Wildlife Sponsorship Program and adopting Moo Deng with a generous gift of 10,000,000 THB for her family! We look forward to working with you over the next 2 years for the benefit of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo community & all… pic.twitter.com/Ykrr53Y2tZ
— สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@KhaokheowZoo) December 26, 2024
In a letter to the zoo, Buterin expressed his admiration for Moo Deng and the institution’s efforts in conservation and education. The donation will fund enhancements to Moo Deng’s enclosure, as well as broader zoo upgrades aimed at improving animal welfare, the zoo said. Buterin framed his contribution as a token of gratitude to Thailand, which hosted Ethereum's Devcon SEAea conference earlier this year.
"What better way to say thank you than through a Christmas present to someone who is dear to all Thai people, Moo Deng, and who has become one of the most unexpected and important Thai celebrities on the world stage," Buterin stated.
Perion Lim
Born on July 20, 2024, Moo Deng – whose name translates to "bouncy pig" in Thai – became an instant sensation due to her playful antics, often shared across social media. From moonwalking to gently gumming her handlers, Moo Deng has captivated millions of fans globally, driving record-breaking attendance at the zoo.
The memecoin named after Moo Deng, $MOODENG, saw a 70% price surge following Buterin’s announcement, with trading volumes spiking by 300%. However, the zoo has not officially endorsed any crypto initiatives, but the connection clearly highlights Moo Deng’s cultural and financial impact.
This isn’t the first time Buterin has used his wealth for good. Over the years, he has contributed to various causes, ranging from pandemic relief to public goods funding in the Ethereum ecosystem. Notably, Buterin donated over $1 billion worth of Shiba Inu tokens to support COVID-19 relief in India in 2021, making headlines for his innovative use of memecoins for charitable giving. He has also given $5 million in cryptocurrencies to Ukraine relief, and has donated over $500,000 in ETH to the Animal Welfare Fund in 2024.
Buterin has also advocated for the role of cryptocurrency in philanthropy, highlighting its potential to streamline global giving. His support for the zoo aligns with his broader vision of harnessing technology and wealth for impactful, community-focused initiatives.
