Canadian computer programmer Vitalik Buterin donated to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo to become a adoptive parent of the internet-famous baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng.
Buterin is the co-founder of Ethereum, which is described as a "decentralized mining network and software development platform rolled into one," that enables the creation of new cryptocurrencies.
Buterin donated 10 million Thai baht, or about $293,220, to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo upon accepting an offer to become Moo Deng's guardian, reported The Straits Times.
"I am delighted to accept your invitation to be Moo Deng's adoptive father while she grows up, and to donate the zoo in her name no less than 10,000,000 THB," he wrote in a letter addressed to the zoo.
Thank you Vitalik Buterin @VitalikButerin for joining the Wildlife Sponsorship Program and adopting Moo Deng with a generous gift of 10,000,000 THB for her family! We look forward to working with you...
Buterin expressed how after visiting the zoo, he was "deeply impressed" by their efforts in improving animal welfare, educating visitors on the animals they house and conducting outreach. He stated that he wanted to offer the zoo with a token of gratitude for how welcome they made him feel during his visit in November.
"What better way to do that than through a Christmas present to someone who is dear to all Thai people, Moo Deng, and who has become one of the most unexpected and important Thai celebrities on the world stage," Buterin wrote in the letter.
"More importantly, we want to support her family and friends, Kha Moo and the Gang, as well as her human family, everyone at Khao Kheow Open Zoo," he continued.
The donation will be split into two equal payments, with one being completed on Thursday, and the other being completed at a later date no less than a year from Thursday.
Following news of Buterin's adoption, the price of the MOODENG meme coin increased by almost 70% in less than an hour, as reported by CoinGape.
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