Vitalik Buterin Donates 10 Million Thai Baht to Support Khao Kheow Open Zoo and Moo Deng’s New Exhibit

Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand has received a generous donation of 10 million Thai Baht from Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, to support the zoo’s operations and the creation of a special exhibition dedicated to its famous hippopotamus, Moo Deng.

The donation, divided into two installments of 5 million Baht each, will be used to enhance the zoo’s infrastructure, with a particular focus on improving the habitat for the Pygmy Hippopotamus, and to fund a new exhibit for Moo Deng, the beloved celebrity hippo who has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

A Heartfelt Gesture from Vitalik Buterin

In a poignant letter to the zoo’s director, Buterin expressed his admiration for the zoo's dedication to animal welfare, education, and community engagement. He wrote:

“I was deeply impressed with your commitment to animal welfare, education, and outreach, as well as fostering a fun community spirit for visitors and staff. I was particularly excited to hear your plans for improvements to the zoo itself, especially the proposal for upgrades to the Pygmy Hippopotamus habitat.”

Buterin’s donation is not only a financial contribution but a symbol of appreciation and support for the zoo’s mission. He further emphasized that the gift was made on behalf of the entire Ethereum ecosystem, as a gesture of friendship and recognition of Thailand’s warm welcome to the global tech community.

“On behalf of the whole Ethereum ecosystem, I would like to offer our thanks and a gesture of friendship to all of the country, in recognition of all that you have done in welcoming us.”

The donation will be made in two parts: the first installment is set for December 26, 2024, with the second installment following on December 26, 2025, and continuing on the same date annually thereafter.

Moo Deng’s Growing Popularity

Moo Deng, a Pygmy Hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has become a beloved figure in Thailand, earning fame far beyond her natural habitat. The new exhibit, funded by Buterin’s donation, will celebrate Moo Deng’s popularity, drawing even more visitors to the zoo.

In addition to the physical exhibit, the Moo Deng token (MOODENG) was launched in response to the hippo's popularity. The token surged by an incredible 1600%, reaching an all-time high of $0.6804 a month ago. However, the token’s price has recently declined to $0.277, a 4.75% drop from the previous day, despite an uptick in trading volume of 23.65%, bringing its 24-hour volume to $98.44 million. The token’s market cap currently stands at $274.75 million.

While the price of the Moo Deng token has experienced fluctuations, the affection for the hippo and the symbolism of the token continue to grow. Buterin’s donation further underscores Moo Deng’s importance as not only a local icon but also a representation of global community cooperation and technology’s role in real-world issues.

A Bright Future for Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Vitalik Buterin’s donation represents more than just financial support—it’s an investment in the future of Khao Kheow Open Zoo and its efforts to improve animal welfare and education. The zoo plans to use the funds to enhance its infrastructure, create new educational initiatives, and continue its commitment to conservation.

Buterin concluded his letter with excitement about the future, expressing his hopes for Moo Deng and the zoo:

“I very much look forward to seeing Moo Deng live long and prosper, and how, alongside her, our family and community also thrive.”

With the funds from Buterin’s donation, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is poised to take the next steps in improving its facilities, and Moo Deng’s exhibit will become a symbol of the positive impact that global cooperation and technology can have on local communities and wildlife preservation.

In this gesture, Buterin has once again demonstrated his ongoing commitment to connecting the world of technology with meaningful, real-world initiatives that benefit both people and animals alike.