Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin Donates to Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng, the Viral Thai Celebrity

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin recently caused a stir in the crypto community. Because Buterin decided to be Moo Deng's "lifter father"

Jakarta - Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin recently made waves in the crypto community. How not, Buterin decided to become the "angkat father" of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo who went viral in Thailand, after donating more than 10 million Thai bahts (around US$293,000 or Rp4.75 billion).

The funds were donated to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where Moo Deng resides. The donation is aimed at supporting zoo operations, wildlife sponsorship programs, as well as the development of special facilities for Moo Deng and his family.

Buterin's decision to make this donation came after his visit to the zoo. This donation is also a form of Buterin's expression of gratitude for the warm welcome he received during the Ethereum event in Thailand throughout 2024, including the SEA Devcon conference in November.

In a statement shared via social media platform X, Buterin revealed that this donation was a Christmas gift for Moo Deng, who is now one of the most well-known Thai celebrities on the international stage.

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As for Moo Deng himself, he is a pygmy hippo, a rarer species that is smaller in size than its relative, the common hippopotamus. Moo Deng's name, which was chosen through a public poll, translates to "bouncy pork" or "bouncy pig" in English.

This baby hippo caught the world's attention in early 2024, thanks to funny videos and photos that showed his agility and mischievous behavior, especially when he tried to bite his caretaker.

Moo Deng's popularity is also increasingly skyrocketing thanks to the presence of the MOODENG meme token. The token has been included in Coinbase's listing roadmap and has a market capitalization of more than US$270 million (Rp4.38 trillion), even though it had peaked at more than US$614 million (Rp9.95 trillion) in mid-November 2024.

Tags: hippo technology crypto ethereum