10m Thai Baht donated by Vitalik Buterin to support Khao Kheow Open Zoo

The funds will be used to improve zoo operations and create a special exhibit for the famous hippo known as Moo Deng.

Buterin wrote a touching letter to the director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, expressing his excitement at the zoo’s commitment to education and animal welfare. He wrote:

“I am deeply impressed by your dedication to animal welfare, education and outreach, as well as promoting a fun community spirit for visitors and staff. “I was particularly excited when I heard about your plans for improvements to the zoo, especially your proposal to improve the Pygmy Hippo habitat.”

Thank you Vitalik Buterin @VitalikButerin For participating in the Wildlife Sponsorship Program and adopting Moo Deng by giving his family a generous gift of THB 10,000,000! We look forward to working with you over the next 2 years for the benefit of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo community and all… pic.twitter.com/Ykrr53Y2tZ

— Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@KhaokheowZoo) December 26, 2024

Two installments of five million Thai Baht each will be used to pay the contribution.

The first installment will be made on December 26, 2024, and the second installment will be made on December 26, 2025, and all subsequent contributions will be made on the same date.

Vitalik Buterin continued his words and emphasized that this gift is a sign of appreciation and friendship:

“On behalf of the entire Ethereum ecosystem, I would like to extend our thanks and gesture of friendship to the entire country in recognition of all you have done to welcome us.”

Moo Deng, who has become an unlikely but beloved celebrity in Thailand, will soon have a special exhibition funded by this donation. Due to this popularity, the Moo Deng (MOODENG) token was also launched and increased by nearly 1600%, reaching its all-time high of $0.6804 a month ago.

However, despite the continued interest in the Moo Deng exhibit, the price of the MOODENG token has not yet seen any significant change and is trading at $0.277. This represents a 4.75% decrease from the previous day. The trading volume of the company, whose market value is at 274.75 million dollars, reached 98.44 million dollars, showing a significant increase of 23.65% in the last 24 hours.

Moodeng Price Chart | Source: CoinMarketCap

Vitalik concluded his letter by expressing his excitement for the future, writing: “I look forward to seeing Moo Deng live long and prosper, and to see our family and community flourish alongside him.”

Buterin’s ongoing efforts to combine local community and wildlife activities with global technology innovation are highlighted by such donations. The money will be used by Khao Kheow Open Zoo to develop its infrastructure and educational initiatives, cementing Moo Deng’s status as a representation of cooperation and care.