Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo who captured the world’s attention this year, is set to receive a habitat makeover thanks to a generous donation from Canadian cryptocurrency magnate Vitalik Buterin.
Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, donated 10,000,000 baht (approximately $293,000 usd) to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, becoming Moo Deng’s “adoptive father” through the zoo’s Wildlife Sponsorship Program. The donation will fund upgrades to Moo Deng’s enclosure and other enhancements to the zoo1. “I very much look forward to seeing Moo Deng live long and prosper,” Buterin wrote in a letter to the zoo’s director.
The zoo expressed its gratitude on Facebook, saying, “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!” The zoo’s director, who was impressed by Buterin’s dedication to animal welfare and education, shared, “His contribution will significantly improve the living conditions for Moo Deng and other animals at the zoo.”
Born on July 10, 2024, Moo Deng quickly became an internet sensation due to her playful antics and endearing appearance. Her name, meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, was selected through a public poll, aligning with the culinary-themed names of her siblings, Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork)1. The zoo’s social media posts featuring Moo Deng have attracted millions of fans worldwide, significantly increasing visitor numbers.
Buterin’s gesture also serves as a tribute to Thailand, which hosted the Ethereum community’s Devcon Sea blockchain conference in November. “What better way to do that [say thank you] 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,” Buterin shared.
