Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has made headlines with an 88 ETH donation, equivalent to 10 million Thai baht, to Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo. This generous contribution officially designates Buterin as the sponsor of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus turned global sensation.
On December 26, the zoo announced the sponsorship through a heartfelt post on X:
“Thank you Vitalik Buterin 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.”
Moo Deng: The Internet’s Favorite Hippo
Moo Deng became a viral sensation in September 2024, captivating audiences with her playful demeanor showcased in social media videos. Her charm quickly garnered international fans, including Buterin himself.
In his own X post, Buterin expressed his excitement:
“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 [Moo Deng] + frens.”
A Gesture of Gratitude
Buterin's visit to the zoo in November 2024 deepened his appreciation for its work in animal welfare and education. Reflecting on his connection to Thailand, he noted the country’s pivotal role in Ethereum’s journey, especially through events like the Devcon Sea blockchain conference.
“This could not have happened without the warmth and kindness of Thailand and our Thai organizers. What better way to show appreciation than through a Christmas present to someone dear to all Thai people, Moo Deng, who has become an unexpected Thai celebrity on the global stage,” he remarked.
Ripple Effects on the Crypto Community
Moo Deng’s viral fame spurred the creation of a Solana-based memecoin, MOODENG. While its creator donated over 10 billion tokens to Buterin, he redirected proceeds to charitable causes, prompting both enthusiasm and market concerns.
Following Buterin’s 88 ETH sponsorship, MOODENG surged by over 70% in 24 hours and recorded a 125% weekly increase, reversing its earlier decline. This development highlighted both the power and volatility of memecoins in the crypto space.
Buterin’s donation exemplifies his broader philosophy of using cryptocurrency for meaningful social impact, cementing the potential of blockchain technology to support global causes.