Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin Donates $400,000 to Thai Baby Hippo for Christmas
Moo Deng, the adorable baby pygmy hippopotamus at a zoo in Thailand, recently received a wonderful Christmas gift from a well-known figure in the world of cryptocurrency. Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, generously donated 10 million Thai baht (equivalent to S$397,300) to “adopt” Moo Deng and support the zoo where she lives.
This heartwarming gesture was Mr. Buterin’s way of showing his appreciation for Thailand and the warm welcome he received during his visit to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The zoo, located in Chonburi province, has a wildlife sponsorship program that allows people to donate money to “adopt” animals, which helps cover their expenses like food and medical care.
In a letter to the zoo director, Mr. Buterin expressed his admiration for the zoo’s dedication to animal welfare and education. He shared his excitement about the zoo’s future plans to enhance the well-being of its residents. As a token of friendship to Thailand, Mr. Buterin felt that supporting Moo Deng, who has become a beloved celebrity both locally and globally, was the perfect way to give back to the community.
The generous donation will be split into two equal payments, with the first one already made on December 26th. Moo Deng has quickly risen to fame in 2024, attracting thousands of visitors to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. With her playful and endearing personality, she has captured the hearts of millions on social media.
Vitalik Buterin, a 30-year-old Russian-Canadian, is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world as the co-founder of Ethereum. Ethereum is a popular blockchain platform that enables a wide range of applications, from NFTs to DeFi and more. Mr. Buterin is also the director of the Ethereum Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on growing the Ethereum ecosystem.
His donation to Moo Deng and the Khao Kheow Open Zoo is not only a gesture of gratitude but also a symbol of his commitment to supporting animal welfare and conservation efforts. This heartwarming act of kindness has touched many and serves as a reminder of the positive impact we can have when we come together to support causes that matter.
