Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has become the adoptive father of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus that gained viral fame earlier this year. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand announced on December 26 that Buterin joined their Wildlife Sponsorship Program with a generous donation of 10 million Thai baht (approximately $293,000) to support Moo Deng and her family.
Moo Deng, born in July 2024, captured global attention through her expressive personality and charming social media presence, significantly boosting the zoo’s visitor numbers. Buterin’s contribution is expected to enhance the pygmy hippo’s enclosure and support other zoo improvements, reflecting his appreciation for the zoo’s dedication to animal welfare and education.
In response to the adoption, Buterin expressed his commitment to supporting Moo Deng’s growth over the next two years, indicating the possibility of further donations beyond the initial 88 Ether (ETH) contribution. This act of philanthropy also serves as a gesture of gratitude to Thailand for hosting Ethereum community events, including the successful Devcon Sea conference.
Moo Deng’s popularity has even inspired the creation of a Solana-based memecoin, leading to significant financial gains for some traders before the token’s value declined. Buterin has a history of donating cryptocurrencies, including memecoins sent to his wallet, to charitable organizations, further highlighting his commitment to leveraging digital assets for philanthropic endeavors.
