One of the most known people in the crypto industry just gave Moo Deng, the famous young pygmy hippo in a Thai zoo, a massive Christmas present.
Co-founder of the Ethereum blockchain platform Vitalik Buterin said that donating 10 million Thai baht (16.9 million pesos) to the zoo where Moo Deng lives was the ideal way to express his thanks to Thailand.
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province thanked Buterin in a Facebook post on December 26 for participating in its wildlife sponsorship program, which enables donors to “adopt” an animal by contributing money that will cover the animal’s food, medical care, and general maintenance over time.
Additionally, the zoo released a letter that the multimillionaire wrote to its director.
After visiting the zoo in November, Buterin said he was “deeply impressed” by its dedication to animal welfare, education, and outreach. He was also thrilled to learn about its intentions to make improvements to the zoo.
In light of the Ethereum community’s recent efforts to organize events throughout Thailand, which culminated in the “great success” of the Devcon Sea conference for blockchain enthusiasts in November, he characterized the donation as a gesture of friendship to Thailand.
“This could not have happened without the warmth and kindness of Thailand and our Thai organisers,” he stated.
He added, “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.”
Aside from that, they want “to support her family and friends, Kha Moo and the Gang, as well as her human family, everyone at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.”
The donation would be made in two equal payments, with the first payment made last December 26, and the second of which would be disclosed at a later time.
In 2024, Moo Deng became an internet sensation, attracting thousands of visitors to Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
The pygmy hippopotamus, whose name translates to “bouncing pig” in Thai, has amassed millions of social media followers thanks to her clumsily endearing antics, which include attempting to nibble her handler even though she is still toothless.
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