In a heartwarming announcement on December 26, Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, revealed that he has adopted Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus who became an internet sensation in September 2024. The adoption is part of the Wildlife Sponsorship Program at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
The Adoption and Donation
Buterin’s generosity was highlighted in a post on X by the zoo, which stated: "Thank you Vitalik Buterin for joining the Wildlife Sponsorship Program and adopting Moo Deng with a generous gift of 10,000,000 THB for her family!" The donation is equivalent to approximately $292,000.
The announcement from the Khao Kheow Open Zoo also expressed their gratitude for Buterin’s support: "We look forward to working with you over the next 2 years."
Moo Deng’s Rise to Fame
In September 2024, Moo Deng gained viral popularity due to her expressive personality and charming social media videos shared by the Thailand-based zoo. The pygmy hippopotamus has since become a beloved internet sensation.
In response to the announcement of his adoption, Buterin expressed his enthusiasm for supporting Moo Deng’s care: "I’m happy to be adoptive father to Moo Deng as she grows up over the next 2 years and support her with my 10M THB donation, maybe more as I set aside 88 ETH for [Moo Deng] + frens."
Buterin’s History of Philanthropy
This adoption is not an isolated instance of Buterin’s philanthropic efforts. In October, he donated over $180,000 in ETH to the biotech charity Kanro. The funds were sent to his address as part of a "Moo Deng memecoins" donation.
The Moo Deng Memecoin
Moo Deng’s global virality inspired the creation of a Solana-based memecoin. Traders who participated in the initial launch saw significant returns, with one savvy investor turning $1,300 into an astonishing $3.4 million after achieving a remarkable 2,554-fold return on investment.
However, this financial gain also raised suspicions among some community members who speculated that an insider or developer may have been involved. The memecoin’s rapid growth and subsequent decline serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of memecoin trading.
The Reality of Memecoin Trading
Despite the allure of quick profits, the vast majority of traders on Solana’s memecoin launchpad, Pump.fun, have lost money or made less than $1,000 worth of profit. Only 50 wallets have generated up to $1,000 in returns, while five wallets have generated between $1,000 and $10,000.
Conclusion
Vitalik Buterin’s adoption of Moo Deng is a heartwarming example of his commitment to philanthropy. The pygmy hippopotamus has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts.
As the crypto community continues to evolve, it is essential to approach memecoin trading with caution and awareness of the risks involved. By doing so, investors can make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to the hype surrounding these digital assets.
References
- Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s X post announcing Buterin’s adoption
- Vitalik Buterin’s response on X regarding his donation
- Cointelegraph article on the Moo Deng memecoin trader who turned $1,300 into $3.4 million
- CoinGecko data on the MOODENG/USDT all-time chart
- Dune data on wallet distribution with profit on Pump.fun