Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has extended his “fatherly duties” to Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus behind the popular crypto meme.

In a Thursday post, Buterin shared that he has become the adoptive father of Moo Deng for two years and has generously donated to the animal’s welfare. Notably, the Ethereum co-founder donated 10 million Thai Baht, worth approximately $293K, to care for the pygmy hippo and her family.

Buterin Adopts the Meme Sensation

Meanwhile, Vitalik Buterin donated 88 ETH to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, a Thai-based wildlife preservation center. The zoo houses Moo Deng and her family, among other animals, for conservation purposes.

Khan Kheow Open Zoo confirmed the receipt in a tweet, appreciating Buterin’s donation. The zoo will use the 10 million THB to support its operations and the ongoing Wildlife Sponsorship Program.

Furthermore, Buterin split the payment in two and disbursed the initial 5 million THB on December 26. Per the statement, the co-founder will complete the donation on an unspecified later date but within one year of the first payment.

Meanwhile, Vitalik Buterin is notable for his chains of charitable donations to support wildlife. For context, he liquidated all “animal coins” in his portfolio in August, donating the proceeds to the Effective Altruism Fund’s Animal Welfare Fund.

Also, Buterin has donated to other causes. According to reports, he disbursed $100 million to COVID research projects and an undisclosed amount to support projects within and outside the Ethereum ecosystem.

Moodeng Grapples Following Adoption

Meanwhile, MOODENG, an Ethereum-based meme coin inspired by the pygmy hippopotamus, soared following the announcement. The token exploded over 90% to a peak of $0.0002558, followed by a quick retracement.

At the time of writing, the 581st-ranked crypto asset has dumped almost 40% from the peak price. Furthermore, MOODENG is down 26% today, trading for $0.0001552 at press time.