2024-12-27
On Dec 26, 2024 — Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has donated 10 million baht to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province in honor of Moo Deng, a 5-month-old pygmy hippo who has become a beloved figure and internet sensation worldwide.
10 million baht ($293,388) donation, announced on the zoo’s Facebook page on Thursday, is intended to fund improvements for all animals at the zoo on Wildlife Sponsorship Program and it will also be used to upgrade the Pygmy Hippopotamus habitat.
The 30-year-old Canadian visited Moo
Deng on November 19, wearing a shirt adorned with the hippo’s image.
During his visit, Buterin expressed his support for the Wildlife Sponsorship Program, formally accepting the role of Moo Deng’s adoptive father.
In a heartfelt letter to the zoo, during his first visit Vitalik was impressed with the zoo's commitment in animal welfare.
Buterin described the donation as a Christmas gift dedicated to Moo Deng, whom
he called “one of the most unexpected and important Thai celebrities on the
world stage.”
The zoo also shared a photo of planned
upgrades to animal enclosures, showcasing how the funds will enhance the
facility.
The zoo expressed gratitude to Buterin,
stating, “We look forward to working with you over the next two years for the
benefit of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo community and all our visitors!”
Buterin’s generosity extends beyond
financial contributions. On his first visit, he gave Moo Deng’s keeper a bag of
Pad Krapao.
While absent this time, his substantial
donation demonstrates his continued commitment to animal welfare.
