Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has made headlines with his generous donation of 10 million Thai baht (approximately $300,000) to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.
This contribution aims to enhance the zoo’s operations and establish a dedicated habitat for Moo Deng, a five-month-old pygmy hippo who has captured the hearts of many. Buterin’s announcement, shared on X, highlights his commitment to supporting Moo Deng as her “adoptive father” during her growth over the next two years.
The donation is a gesture of gratitude for the warm hospitality Buterin experienced during the Ethereum developer conference held in Thailand in November. He expressed his desire to give back to the country through a meaningful Christmas gift to Moo Deng, who has become a beloved figure in Thailand and gained international attention. The pygmy hippo has not only charmed locals but also inspired a viral internet meme, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
Moo Deng’s popularity has led to the creation of a memecoin named MOODENG on the Solana blockchain, which reached a market capitalization of over $600 million following listings on major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase.
This token is notable for being the first animal-themed cryptocurrency outside of the traditional dog and cat motifs to achieve significant trading volumes, marking it as a pioneering Thai memecoin.
Despite the recent downturn in cryptocurrency prices, which have dropped by 60% from their peak, Moo Deng’s influence remains strong, particularly within Thailand and its neighboring regions. Buterin’s philanthropic efforts not only support wildlife conservation but also celebrate the unique cultural significance of Moo Deng in the Thai community.
