Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has taken a surprising step outside the world of blockchain—becoming the adoptive father of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand. This announcement was shared by Buterin on X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed excitement about supporting Moo Deng’s growth over the next two years.

A Philanthropic Gesture

In his X post on Thursday, Buterin revealed his 10 million Thai Baht (approximately $285,000) donation, which will be used to care for Moo Deng and promote conservation efforts for the endangered pygmy hippopotamus species. He wrote, “I’m happy to be Moo Deng’s adoptive father and support her journey over the next two years.”

The gesture highlights Buterin’s interest in philanthropy, extending his influence beyond technology into wildlife preservation.

Blockchain to Biodiversity

Vitalik Buterin, known for his pivotal role in revolutionizing decentralized finance through Ethereum, has a history of supporting social causes. His latest move reinforces the growing trend of tech innovators contributing to ecological and charitable efforts globally.

The pygmy hippopotamus, native to West Africa, is listed as endangered, making contributions like Buterin’s crucial for their conservation. Moo Deng is currently under the care of a sanctuary in Thailand dedicated to preserving this rare species.

Building a Legacy of Giving

Buterin’s involvement not only brings attention to pygmy hippopotamus conservation but also illustrates how blockchain moguls are leveraging their wealth for impactful initiatives. His support underscores the potential of cross-sector philanthropy in addressing pressing environmental challenges.