Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus and a popular attraction at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, got an extraordinary Christmas gift. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin donated 10 million Thai baht (Rs. 2.48 crore) to the zoo and officially became her sponsor.
The Chonburi-based zoo published a touching Facebook post on December 26 thanking Buterin for the generous donation he made through their wildlife sponsorship program. The initiative gives donors the opportunity to “adopt” animals by paying for their food, healthcare, and upkeep. The zoo has also posted a letter Buterin addressed to its director, speaking of his appreciation for the work that the zoo does.
In November, his co-founder of Ethereum visited the zoo and later praised for its animal welfare, educational, and outreach efforts. “This could not have happened without the warmth and kindness of Thailand and our Thai organizers,” he noted. According to him, this was a sign of appreciation for Thailand which had accommodated several successive Ethereum events including the just concluded blockchain conference called the Devcon Sea. “What better way to do that than through a Christmas present to someone who is dear to all Thai people, Moo Deng, and who has become one of the most unexpected and important Thai celebrities on the world stage,” he added.
The donation will also benefit Moo Deng’s companions, Kha Moo and the Gang, as well as the zoo’s staff. According to Buterin, the funds will be released in two installments, with the first disbursed on December 26 and the second set to follow.
Moo Deng’s Global Fame
Moo Deng is a charming name that is translated in Thai as “bouncing pig.” Moo Deng’s unique style has captured global attention. Moo Deng rose to fame, from going viral in millions of views through viral videos to being one of the 63 most stylish people in 2024 by The New York Times.
The Legacy of Vitalik Buterin
Vitalik Buterin is a 30-year-old name in the crypto sphere, co-founder of the Ethereum blockchain platform, powering applications such as NFTs, decentralised finance and crypto gaming. He is also leading the Ethereum Foundation, a non-profit organization driving the growth of Ethereum’s ecosystem that since 2016 is headquartered in Singapore.
Buterin, who spent eight months in Singapore during the pandemic, keeps in touch with Southeast Asia regularly; he often visits the region and deepens his bonding with its communities.
