Vitalik Buterin Acquires a Pygmy Hippo as His New Pet
Vitalik Buterin's Generous Donation to Khao Kheow Zoo
In a heartwarming gesture, Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has donated 10 million Thai Baht (approximately $300,000) to the Khao Kheow Zoo. The donation, which Buterin referred to as a "Christmas gift," will be used to expand exhibits and enhance the zoo's facilities.
The donation was made in support of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo and internet meme star at the zoo. Buterin visited the Thai zoo in November 2024 and interacted with animals, including Moo Deng. During his visit, he also fed the hippo and took part in a photo session.
Buterin's involvement with the zoo began when he joined the Wildlife Sponsorship Program and adopted Moo Deng. He expressed his delight at becoming Moo Deng's adoptive parent in a post on social media.
However, no specific details about the planned improvements to the zoo's facilities were provided, and the duration of Buterin's adoption of Moo Deng remains unclear. The article does not mention any other donations made by Buterin to the Khao Kheow Zoo or any other organizations.
Beyond his donation to the Khao Kheow Zoo, Buterin's philanthropy has been substantial, diverse, and impactful. He has donated over $1 billion in cryptocurrency to various global causes.
In 2021, Buterin donated over $1 billion worth of SHIBA tokens to India’s Crypto Covid Relief fund, providing crucial funding during the pandemic. He has also contributed to longevity and biotechnology research, donating $2.4 million to the SENS Research Foundation and 1,000 ETH and 430 billion Dogelon Mars (ELON) tokens to the Methuselah Foundation.
Buterin has shown a particular concern for artificial intelligence safety, donating approximately $665 million to the Future of Life Institute. He expressed his concern that unchecked AI could threaten humanity’s future.
Recently, he sold $2.5 million in unsolicited meme coins, including CULT, DOGE, and SHIB, converting them into stablecoins and Ethereum to fund his Kanro organization, which focuses on biotechnology research and philanthropy.
Buterin has also supported Ukraine during Russia’s 2022 invasion, publicly supporting crypto philanthropy efforts for Ukraine, with involvement through Ethereum-related projects and support channels.
In summary, Vitalik Buterin's philanthropy has been extensive, diverse, and significant, with over $1 billion in crypto donated to fight pandemics, promote safe AI, advance longevity science, and support humanitarian efforts worldwide. His approach often involves liquidating unsolicited meme tokens sent to him and redirecting them as crypto donations to his chosen charitable causes, exemplifying his commitment to leveraging cryptocurrency wealth for global good.
- Vitalik Buterin, known for his significant philanthropy, has diversified his donations beyond the Khao Kheow Zoo, also contributing to causes like fighting pandemics, promoting safe AI, and advancing longevity science.
- On a sunny day at the zoo, sports enthusiast Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, interacted with Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo, while discussing potential weather changes that could impact the habitat of animals like Moo Deng in the future.
