News 
December 26, 2024 
3 min. 
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has officially adopted Moo Deng, a famous baby pygmy hippo from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. This heartwarming gesture not only supports wildlife conservation but has also triggered a dramatic price surge for the MOODENG meme token, which soared by 70% within hours.
Buterin’s Generosity Sparks Conservation and Ethereum Buzz
On December 26, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo announced that Vitalik Buterin joined its Wildlife Sponsorship Program, adopting Moo Deng and donating 10 million Thai baht (around $287,000) to support the hippo and her habitat. According to the zoo, the funds will be used to expand Moo Deng’s enclosure, with a build-up area of 1,600 square meters.
Buterin’s donation will be disbursed in two installments, with the first installment completed on the same day. The second, totaling 5 million baht, is scheduled for the coming year. This initiative aligns with Buterin’s consistent support for charities, particularly those tied to meme tokens that allocate part of their proceeds to charitable causes.
In his letter accompanying the donation, Buterin highlighted the importance of direct contributions to charitable programs, calling for more projects to engage actively with such initiatives.
MOODENG Token Sees Unprecedented Rally
Following Buterin’s announcement, the Ethereum-based MOODENG meme token saw over 46% surge, reaching $0.0001859 at its peak, reflecting heightened interest among investors and traders.
In addition, MOODENG’s futures market experienced a sharp uptick, with total open interest climbing 9% in just four hours to a valuation of $115.42 million. Major exchanges, including Coinbase, have responded by listing the token, boosting its visibility.
Vitalik Buterin’s gesture has not only reinforced his philanthropic reputation but also demonstrated the influence of community-driven initiatives in both conservation and crypto markets.
