Renowned cryptocurrency mogul, Vitalik Buterin, recently expanded his family by adopting a charming pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng. The viral sensation Moo Deng, who resides in Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, gained Buterin’s attention and affection, leading him to join the Wildlife Sponsorship Program and donate 88 ETH, equivalent to $292,000, for her upkeep.
Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, the world’s second most extensive blockchain network, isn’t new to using his digital currency for charitable gestures. He has previously donated significant amounts to other charitable causes, including the biotech charity Kanro, which received over $180,000 in ETH in October.
Interestingly, Moo Deng’s appeal was so undeniable that it led to the creation of a Solana-based memecoin, bearing her name. This new token made headlines when a sharp trader managed to turn $1,300 into a whopping $3.4 million, achieving a striking 2,554-fold return on investment on the Moo Deng (MOODENG) token. However, the token’s value later dwindled, shedding 60% of its peak valuation.
Despite the volatile nature of memecoin trading, Buterin remains supportive and keen to extend his ETH donations towards the care of his new adoptive family member, Moo Deng, and her zoo companions. As he continues to channel his cryptocurrency fortune for good causes, Buterin sets a generous example for others in this emerging new world of digital currency.