Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has pledged nearly $300,000 to Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, adopting a pygmy hippo named Moo Deng in the process. The donation will support the zoo’s Wildlife Sponsorship program and upgrade its facilities.
Crypto Meets Conservation
Buterin’s involvement with the zoo stems from a recent visit, where he was impressed by its commitment to animal welfare and community engagement. In a letter to the zoo’s director, he praised the sanctuary’s efforts and highlighted Moo Deng’s role as a cultural ambassador for Thailand. Buterin also acknowledged Thailand’s hospitality to the Ethereum community, particularly during the Devcon SEA conference in Bangkok last November.
The Donation
Buterin has promised to donate at least 10 million baht ($300,000) in Moo Deng’s name, to be delivered in two installments. The first contribution was made on December 26, with the date for the second to be announced later. Additionally, Buterin has pledged an extra 88 ETH to support the zoo’s ongoing projects.
Market Impact
Moo Deng, the face of the MOODENG coin, has gained global fame and captured the crypto community’s attention. Despite recent market fluctuations, the token has seen a 50.3% surge in trading volume over the past 24 hours. While its price dipped 3.2% in the past day, it gained 6.1% over the past week, outperforming the broader crypto market.
Buterin’s Stance on Meme Coins
Buterin has been critical of the meme coin space, arguing that celebrity-inspired tokens should have a public goal or incorporate fun mechanics beyond trading. However, his adoption of Moo Deng and donation to the zoo demonstrate his support for tokens with a positive impact.
Source: Cryptopotato.com
