Pattaya-
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently visited the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, near Pattaya, to meet Moo Deng, the internet-famous baby pygmy hippo!
Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, captured hearts worldwide with her playful antics and adorable looks. Her rise to fame came via social media, where her videos and photos went viral, turning her into an unlikely ambassador for wildlife conservation and even winning TikTok video of the year in Thailand as we reported here.
Moo Deng also went even more viral recently after correctly picking Donald Trump as the next US President, as reported here.
The zoo where Moo Deng resides, Khao Kheow, has seen a significant increase in visitors since her fame, bringing attention to the plight of endangered species like the pygmy hippopotamus.
Vitalik Buterin, known for his role in creating Ethereum, one of the world’s leading blockchain platforms, has shown a keen interest in using his platform for good. His visit was not merely a celebrity. Buterin has been heavily involved in philanthropy, often donating portions of meme coins sent to him by developers to various charities. His visit to Moo Deng was highlighted on social media, where he was seen interacting with the hippo and posing with a Moo Deng-themed shirt, signaling a personal endorsement of the conservation efforts at the zoo.
Interestingly, Buterin’s visit coincided with a surge in value for the MOODENG meme coin, which was inspired by Moo Deng. The Ethereum version of MOODENG saw its price increase by over 144% shortly after Buterin’s visit. This event reflects a broader trend where meme coins, often seen as speculative, can also drive attention and funds towards real-world causes like wildlife conservation.
As Moo Deng continues to charm her global audience, her story, intertwined with figures like Buterin, could pave the way for new forms of digital philanthropy. Moo Deng continues to have her popularity grow, even releasing an official theme song recently.
