According to The Block, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin donated more than $293,000 to a zoo in Thailand to "adopt" Moo Deng, a baby hippopotamus that became popular in 2024.
Buterin said his donation was a thank you to the people of Thailand for their hospitality at ethereum-related events, including November’s Devcon SEA conference in Bangkok.
Buterin donated at least 10,000,000 baht (about $293,000) to become an "adoptive father" to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which houses Moo Deng. The zoo said in an X: "We look forward to working with you over the next two years for the benefit of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo community and all visitors."
Moo Deng is an endangered baby hippopotamus that is much smaller than its "common hippo" relatives. Her name was chosen by public vote and translates to "bouncing pig" in English. The several-month-old animal quickly became a viral sensation in 2024 for her adorable and adorable image, especially videos and photos of her trying to bite her caregivers, which attracted a lot of attention.
Butlin’s donation will go toward “the operation of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, its wildlife sponsorship programs, and the development of an exclusive exhibit for Moo Deng and her family,” he said in the letter posted on X.
The donation was made following Buterin’s visit to the zoo in recognition of Thailand and its people for their “wonderful hospitality” at Ethereum events in 2024, including the Devcon SEA conference in November.
“On behalf of the entire Ethereum ecosystem, I extend this gesture of gratitude and friendship to all of us in this country,” Buterin said in the letter. “There is no better way to express this sentiment than to send a gift to Moo Deng, who is so dear to all Thai people and has become one of the most unexpected and important Thai celebrities on the international stage.”