The donation is part of his commitment to supporting wildlife conservation, specifically sponsoring Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus that became an internet sensation in 2024. Buterin’s generous gesture will fund the zoo’s operations, improve exhibits, and support the Wildlife Sponsorship Program.

A Heartfelt Gesture of Gratitude

The donation, announced on December 26, 2024, marks Buterin’s deep appreciation for Thailand’s hospitality during Ethereum-related events, particularly the Devcon SEA conference held in Bangkok in November. In his statement, Buterin expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the Ethereum community and emphasized that this contribution is a token of appreciation for the country and its people.

Source: X

“I would like to offer our thanks and a gesture of friendship to all of the country… 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,” Buterin wrote on social media.

Moo Deng: A Viral Star

Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo, has captured the hearts of people worldwide with her playful personality and viral social media videos. The videos showcasing her energetic antics and adorable moments have propelled her to international fame, making her an unlikely celebrity in Thailand. The zoo has even launched a dedicated exhibit for Moo Deng, where visitors can learn more about the pygmy hippopotamus species and its conservation needs.

The pygmy hippo, a smaller and more docile relative of the common hippopotamus, is an endangered species. The zoo hopes to raise awareness about the species through educational programs funded by Buterin’s donation. The funds will be used to enhance Moo Deng’s habitat, as well as build an educational center about pygmy hippos, clearing up the common misconceptions about the behavior and needs of such animals.

A Commitment to Animal Welfare

Narongwit Chotchoy, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, was consequently grateful for Buterin’s generosity. In a statement, Chotchoy explained how the funds would assist the zoo in its continued effort to raise the bar for animal welfare and involve the public with conservation education. “We look forward to working with you over the next two years for the benefit of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo community & all our visitors,” he wrote on social media.

Source: X

This is not an isolated move by Buterin. He has been quite vocal about charitable giving, particularly in the context of crypto, and has himself donated millions. In 2024, he turned meme coins worth $1.6 million into ETH and donated to welfare organizations.

The Moo Deng Memecoin Phenomenon

Moo Deng’s viral fame also sparked the creation of a Solana-based meme token, which quickly gained traction in the crypto community. The token, which reached a market capitalization of over $270 million at its peak, represents the growing intersection of the crypto world and popular culture. However, the token’s value has since dropped significantly, illustrating the volatile nature of memecoin trading. Despite this, the Moo Deng token remains a notable example of how the cryptocurrency market can fuel new trends and phenomena.

Moo Deng (MOODENG) price chart. Source: Brave New Coin

The rise and fall of the meme coin served to show just how speculative such an asset can be. Yet, the donation by Buterin served to remind that cryptocurrency can make a positive impact when applied to meaningful causes.

Plans for Moo Deng’s Future and the Zoo

This is part of a two-year commitment, and the funds from Buterin were released in two installments. The first 5 million Thai Baht was transferred on December 26, 2024, while the second was on the same date in 2025. These will further be used in the promotion of growth and education at the zoo, thus solidifying Moo Deng’s position both as a conservation ambassador and as a symbol of the world community in support of protection for wildlife.

Buterin concluded his statement with a hopeful message about Moo Deng’s future. “I very much look forward to seeing Moo Deng live long and prosper, and how, alongside her, our family and community also thrive,” he wrote.

A Symbol of Collaboration Between Technology and Conservation

Vitalik Buterin’s donation to Khao Kheow Open Zoo highlights the growing role of cryptocurrency leaders in philanthropy and their potential to support meaningful causes beyond the blockchain. By aligning himself with Moo Deng and the zoo’s conservation efforts, Buterin not only contributes to a crucial wildlife initiative but also bridges the gap between technology and global environmental awareness. This gesture exemplifies how cryptocurrency figures can use their influence and wealth to support projects that have a lasting, positive impact on the world.