Ethereum co-founder 'Vitalik Buterin' recently made a donation of 10 million Thai Baht (approximately 293,000 USD, equivalent to about 88 ETH) to officially become the 'adoptive father' of Thailand's viral pygmy hippo 'Moo Deng'. This cute and charming little hippo currently resides at the 'Khao Kheow Open Zoo' in eastern Thailand.
This donation will be used to support the daily operations of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, the wildlife adoption program, and to create a dedicated exhibition area for Moo Deng and her family.
According to the letter publicly shared by Vitalik Buterin on the social platform X, this act of kindness was in appreciation of the warm hospitality he received during his previous visit to Khao Kheow Open Zoo and at various Ethereum events held in Thailand.
In his letter, he stated: "On behalf of the entire Ethereum ecosystem, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Thailand and offer a symbol of friendship to convey our deep respect for Thailand."
What gift could better express our gratitude than one given to Moo Deng - a surprising yet beloved celebrity both in Thailand and on the international stage?
I am honored to accept your invitation to become an adoptive father on Moo Deng's journey to adulthood and to donate no less than 10 million Thai Baht to the zoo in her name. This is both a wish for her over the next two to three years, accompanying her every step towards adulthood, and a commitment to our shared future.
Moo Deng is a pygmy hippo, an endangered species that is much smaller in size compared to common hippos. Her name 'Moo Deng' was chosen through a public vote by the Thai people. This little hippo, just a few months old, quickly became an internet sensation this year due to her lively and mischievous appearance, as well as her amusing habit of nibbling on the zookeeper's fingers, even gaining global popularity.
It is worth mentioning that Moo Deng is not only popular in the animal world but has also stirred excitement in the cryptocurrency field. The meme coin named after her, 'Moo Deng (MOODENG)', has recently been included in Coinbase's listing roadmap.
Currently, MOODENG's market capitalization is about 270 million USD. Although it has decreased from its historical peak of 614 million USD on November 15, it remains one of the most watched meme coins.