Hamster Kombat token crashed to a record low on Thursday, capping the downfall of one of the most prominent players in the tap-to-earn industry.
Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) plunged to $0.0010, down 89% over the past year. The token’s market capitalization has collapsed from over $437 million in September to just $67 million today.
HMSTR’s crash came as many holders capitulated and sold their tokens. Nansen data shows exchange balances have increased by 13% over the past 30 days, rising to over 17.86 billion HMSTR. A rise in exchange balances typically indicates that investors are moving tokens from self-custody to centralized platforms to sell.
Additional on-chain data shows that the number of HMSTR holders dropped from over 300 million at its peak to just 672,200 today. Most exited as the token collapsed and user activity on its mini app declined sharply following its token generation event.
Demand also fell in the derivatives market. Futures open interest for HMSTR dropped to $30 million on Thursday, down from this month’s high of $60 million.
At the same time, Hamster Kombat’s funding rate sank to a record low of minus 0.06%. A negative funding rate indicates that traders are paying to maintain short positions, signaling expectations of further downside.
HMSTR funding rate | Source: CoinGlass Hamster Kombat’s crash reflects a broader trend among “to-earn” tokens. Other tap-to-earn tokens, notably Notcoin (NOT), haveplunged after its token-generation event.
HMSTR price technical analysis HMSTR price chart | Source: crypto.news The eight-hour chart shows HMSTR peaked at $0.0029 in April and formed a double-top pattern, with a neckline at $0.002438, the swing low from May 6.
The token has since broken below key support at $0.001460, its lowest level in February. Price has also moved below all major moving averages, while both the MACD and the Relative Strength Index have plunged. Additionally, HMSTR has formed an inverse cup-and-handle pattern.
Given these signals, the token will likely continue falling as buying interest remains weak. If the decline accelerates, the next level to watch will be $0.00095.
Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) is going through a rough patch after losing 17% in under 24 hours. Several factors are contributing to the HMSTR price crash, including massive whale sell-offs and waning enthusiasm for the project.
Hamster Kombat Loses 17% in a Single Day The Telegram-based Tap-to-Earn project Hamster Kombat has seen HMSTR tumble by over 17% in 24 hours. According to CoinMarketCap data, HMSTR is trading at $0.001028, a decline that has left investors puzzled by the recent price behavior.
The steep price drop leaves HMSTR trading nearly 90% below its all-time high of $0.01. Amid the double-digit percentage decline, Hamster Kombat is recording a spike in trading volumes, signaling intense market activity from traders.
This latest drop comes amid a broader decline for the Telegram-based gaming project. Over the last seven days, Hamster Kombat has lost 49% of its value, while the 30-day chart reveals a 60% decrease.
The 17% decline stands in stark contrast to Hamster Kombat’s price predictions, which had projected an uptrend for HMSTR in June 2025.
Hamster Kombat HMSTR Dipping 17% | CoinMarketCap Why Is The Price Dropping? Several factors are behind the project’s steep price drop, but a whale sell-off appears to be the primary trigger for today’s crash. Nansen data indicates a spike in exchange balances, a classic sign of an incoming dump. Moreover, Hamster Kombat’s perpetual funding rates are negative across several exchanges, indicating strong short pressure on HMSTR.
Notably, the wave of panic selling is closely tied to HMSTR airdrop beneficiaries offloading their holdings. Enthusiasm is dwindling within the ecosystem due to dissatisfaction with handling Hamster Kombat’s airdrop, of which only a portion is immediately claimable.
Beyond the immediate causes, the project’s user engagement has plummeted from over 300 million to fewer than 13 million. The drop in user metrics, speculation of insider selling, and the emergence of phishing clones are all contributing to the downward pressure. From a technical standpoint, Hamster Kombat’s RSI is extremely oversold at 14.64, with little to no signs of a near-term reversal.
Analyst Perspective: Why HMSTR Is Falling Fast In a post on X, analyst Crypto Philip also highlighted several key factors driving the sharp decline in HMSTR’s value. He noted that following one of the most hyped airdrops of the year, over 131 million users received free tokens, many of whom are now rapidly selling. Whale activity from top wallets, likely controlled by insiders, is adding further sell pressure.
Philip also highlights weak tokenomics, with 64 billion tokens already in circulation and more unlocks expected. Community frustration is growing due to only 88.75% of tokens being unlocked at launch, while technical glitches in TON and Telegram wallets have shaken user confidence.
Moreover, the broader Tap-to-Earn model appears to be losing steam, with most users opting to cash out rather than stay engaged. Technically, the chart has turned bearish, with HMSTR breaking below key support at $0.002 and showing no signs of recovery.
Meanwhile, the rest of the cryptocurrency markets are holding strong despite HMSTR’s decline. However, there are fears that Bitcoin failing to breach $111,000 may trigger a 14% correction for the flagship cryptocurrency.
The “Tap-to-Earn” project Hamster Kombat, operating through Telegram, faced a significant downturn in its proprietary cryptocurrency, HMSTR. This token experienced a drastic 17% drop in value over 24 hours, capturing the attention of numerous users and market participants who eagerly followed these developments. The sudden depreciation of the token has sparked discussions and analyses across the cryptocurrency community.
Pressure from Major InvestorsAnalysts point to several core factors underpinning the steep decline in HMSTR’s price, with one of the primary drivers being the mass liquidation by significant investors holding substantial amounts of the token. This bulk selling led to a rapid downward trajectory in the price.
In conjunction with these sales, there has been a notable decrease in investors’ enthusiasm regarding recent developments within the Hamster Kombat project. This waning interest has heightened the volatility of the token’s price, with the abrupt sell orders from these large investors, known as “whales,” causing considerable concern among smaller investors.
Market Confidence and Investor PsychologyThe sharp depreciation of HMSTR underlines the critical role of confidence in the cryptocurrency markets. The level of trust and interest in projects can quickly drive prices up or down. When investors perceive a decline in confidence, the result often manifests as large-scale sales and fund withdrawals.
The Hamster Kombat team issued a statement, expressing gratitude for community support while closely monitoring the price fluctuations. Nonetheless, uncertainties regarding the project’s future continue to negatively impact investor sentiment. Experts highlight that in the cryptocurrency markets, investors’ abrupt reactions can lead to substantial price surges or declines. The prevailing notion is that negative developments in the short term have heavily influenced the recent downturn specific to Hamster Kombat.
Such movements are seen as a reflection of the inherent risks within cryptocurrency markets. Should projects fail to meet expectations or encounter adverse news, investors may rapidly alter their positions. Consequently, the upcoming decisions and announcements made by the Hamster Kombat team carry significant weight concerning the future trajectory of the HMSTR price. Experts advise investors to exercise caution in the face of sudden price drops and to perform thorough market analyses.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
Rubio: US and Iran to continue technical consultations at the end of this month
Multiple foreign media outlets reported on the 24th that US Secretary of State Rubio said technical teams from the United States and Iran will hold further talks in Switzerland by the end of June. (Xinhua News Agency)
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Over the past 24 hours, total crypto market liquidations hit $606 million, with more than 130,000 traders liquidated.
According to Coinglass data, the global cryptocurrency market recorded $606 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, including $542 million in long-position liquidations and $68.22 million in short-position liquidations. A total of 135,785 traders worldwide were liquidated in the same period, with the largest single liquidation order occurring on Binance’s BTCUSDT trading pair, valued at $12.0111 million.
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Bitcoin falls below $60,000
According to HTX market data, Bitcoin has fallen below $60,000, with a 4.3% drop in the past 24 hours.
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US Treasury Secretary: AI boom may boost productivity and help curb inflation.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent told CNBC in an interview that he hopes the Federal Reserve will remain "open-minded" about the inflation pattern after the reversal of Iran-related energy price hikes. Bessent noted that the U.S. could enter an economic environment marked by high GDP growth without a corresponding rise in traditional inflation. He cited that in the 1990s, Alan Greenspan foresaw that office modernization and the internet could drive non-inflationary growth, and allowed the economy to keep expanding. Bessent believes the U.S. has a strong chance of seeing a similar scenario again. When asked whether the Fed still needs to worry about potential inflation and whether interest rate cuts are possible this year or next, Bessent declined to comment. However, he argued that it is necessary to stay open-minded about the price or inflation impacts from the Iran conflict, and monitor inflation performance after those effects subside. Bessent also said an open mind is needed, as the AI boom could boost productivity and deliver disinflationary effects, helping inflation return to the Fed’s target level. He added that he believes Kevin Warsh will choose the optimal path that meets both the Fed’s inflation and growth mandates. Bessent also noted that Warsh previously took a hawkish stance on inflation.
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US stocks' intraday storage sector sees broad declines, with Western Digital and Seagate Technology both falling over 4%.
According to Bitget data, during U.S. stock trading hours, the storage sector saw broad declines: Western Digital (WDC) fell 4.47%, Seagate Technology (STX) dropped 4.17%, SanDisk (SNDK) declined 2.31%, and Micron Technology (MU) edged down 0.96%. Most optical communication concept stocks rose, with Corning (GLW) leading the gains at 9.75%, followed by Ciena (CIEN) up 3.24%, Coherent (COHR) rising 2.93%, Lumentum (LITE) gaining 2.61%, and Nokia (NOK) advancing 1.82%. Additionally, Marvell Technology (MRVL) fell 2.59% and Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) declined 1.90%.
5 hours ago
During intraday trading in U.S. stocks, crypto-related concept stocks fell broadly, with MSTR dropping more than 7%.
According to Bitget market data, the three major U.S. stock indexes rose broadly: the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.94%, the S&P 500 increased 0.60%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.63%. Crypto-related stocks fell across the board, with declines as follows: Strategy (MSTR) down 7.33%; Circle (CRCL) down 4.35%; Bitmine (BMNR) down 3.97%; Coinbase (COIN) down 3.73%; Robinhood (HOOD) down 3.70%; Gemini (GEMI) down 3.27%; Bullish (BLSH) down 3.25%; Sharplink (SBET) down 3.19%.
Play-to-earn (P2E) gaming continues to gain momentum, offering users a way to earn digital assets while enjoying interactive experiences. Catizen and Blum are among the notable P2E projects, each introducing unique mechanics to attract players. Catizen allows users to develop a virtual feline empire, while Blum ties gaming to eco-friendly initiatives such as tree planting and recycling. However, many P2E platforms struggle with accessibility and long-term viability, making it difficult for users to maximize their rewards.
BlockDAG’s TG Tap Miner takes a different approach, eliminating the usual obstacles that deter players. Unlike other games that require intricate wallets and exchange setups, this game simplifies earnings by integrating directly with Telegram. With a thriving user base of over 100,000 players and a presale that has already reached $193.5 million, TG Tap Miner is proving that P2E can be easy, rewarding, and widely adopted.
How TG Tap Miner is Reshaping Play-to-Earn Gaming BlockDAG’s TG Tap Miner is redefining P2E by integrating NFT rewards, cryptocurrency incentives, and effortless accessibility—all within the Telegram ecosystem. With its straightforward tap-to-earn mechanics, it has already attracted 100,000+ players, demonstrating how simplicity can drive mass adoption. Unlike many P2E models that struggle to maintain engagement, this game connects NFT utility with token rewards, ensuring lasting value for players.
Additionally, the game’s integration with OKX strengthens its standing in blockchain gaming. This partnership enables players to trade in-game assets through OKX’s NFT marketplace, boosting liquidity and usability. The built-in wallet system also streamlines token management, eliminating the complexity that often discourages new users from participating.
BlockDAG’s ongoing presale highlights the strength of its ecosystem, with rapid adoption driving impressive figures—$193.5 million raised and over 18.3 billion BDAG coins sold. Currently in batch 27, BDAG is priced at $0.0248, reflecting an incredible 2,340% increase since batch 1. This surge in value indicates strong demand and growing trust in the project.
Unlike traditional P2E models that struggle to sustain player interest, TG Tap Miner actively encourages participation while linking gameplay to NFT-backed assets. This structure not only enhances user engagement but also strengthens the broader Web3 economy by integrating gaming, decentralized finance, and blockchain-based rewards.
With continuous expansion, increasing NFT adoption, and a robust financial foundation, TG Tap Miner is demonstrating that Web3 gaming can be accessible, rewarding, and scalable.
Catizen: Creating a Digital Feline Kingdom Since its launch in January 2024, Catizen has attracted players eager to build and manage their own cat-themed kingdom. The game enables users to complete tasks and expand their territories, which has led to substantial growth. Today, it boasts a staggering 37 million players, including over 1 million paying participants. This impressive user engagement has generated more than $26 million in revenue.
Further strengthening its ecosystem, Catizen’s native token, $CATI, is now listed on leading exchanges like Binance, improving its accessibility and liquidity. As a result, early adopters have seen strong returns, with the token’s market capitalization reaching $51.4 million and its fully diluted valuation hitting $160 million.
Catizen’s success proves that combining engaging gameplay with blockchain technology can create thriving digital economies, offering players a meaningful way to earn and trade assets.
Blum: Merging Gaming with Environmental Action Blum introduces a fresh perspective to P2E by aligning gaming with sustainability. In this tap-to-earn game, players participate in eco-friendly activities such as recycling and planting trees. Every completed action earns them coins, which can be converted into cryptocurrency or donated to real-world environmental causes. This innovative model has drawn significant interest, positioning Blum as a game that blends entertainment with meaningful impact.
Looking at its market outlook, analysts predict strong growth potential, particularly if Blum secures major partnerships. If the game manages to establish collaborations with industry leaders, its token value could experience rapid appreciation. With decentralized applications becoming more prevalent, Blum could see exponential expansion, especially if it achieves listings on major exchanges like Binance.
The Future of Play-to-Earn is All About Simplicity Play-to-earn gaming is evolving, but accessibility remains a major hurdle for many platforms. Catizen has built a strong economy around virtual feline empires, while Blum has introduced a novel way to tie gaming to real-world sustainability. However, both require users to navigate crypto wallets and exchanges, which can limit widespread adoption.
BlockDAG’s TG Tap Miner takes a different route by removing unnecessary complexity. By allowing players to earn directly through Telegram, it opens up opportunities for broader participation. With an expanding community, a strong financial foundation, and 100,000+ players, TG Tap Miner proves that simplicity is the key to the next wave of play-to-earn success.
Website: https://blockdag.network Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Disclaimer: TheNewsCrypto does not endorse any content on this page. The content depicted in this Press Release does not represent any investment advice. TheNewsCrypto recommends our readers to make decisions based on their own research. TheNewsCrypto is not accountable for any damage or loss related to content, products, or services stated in this Press Release.
Key NotesCatizen has unveiled its core focus this year, which includes AI integration.The Telegram game said it had completed its 2024 roadmap and part of its key targets this Q1.The game also have planned rewards for users within its ecosystem. Catizen, a Tap-to-Earn (T2E) blockchain-based gaming platform integrated with Telegram, is making big moves to improve Web3 gaming. According to an official post shared on X, the platform has completed its 2024 goals and has even finished its Q1 2025 plans. Catizen is now focusing on adding Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve its ecosystem.
With more users joining, and new games added, Catizen appears ready to grow even more.
Catizen Achievements So Far Catizens experienced rapid growth within a year. Its native token, CATI $0.0603 24h volatility: 2.9% Market cap: $27.38 M Vol. 24h: $2.94 M , was listed on major crypto exchanges in late September. This drove its price to a high of $1.2, and shortly after, its market value crossed the $1.2 billion mark. This milestone marked a significant moment for Catizen’s growing ecosystem.
🎉CATIZEN 2024 Annual Report is live!
In 2024, Catizen achieved remarkable milestones:
🚀 Skyrocket Growth:
We surpassed 55 million players with 3.3 million active on-chain users. Our USDT revenue hit 35 million, thanks to 1.2 million paying users!
🪙Token Rewards:
Distributed… pic.twitter.com/ra2SNrdhNT
— Catizen (@CatizenAI) January 25, 2025
In its post, the gaming platform mentioned its Launchpool opened on April 28, and the Game Center launched on August 24, 2024. These initiatives gave players more ways to play and earn and helped bring in over 55 million players quickly. Interestingly, the Game Center now has over 20 games, offering more fun and ways to make money.
Notably, the P2E gaming platform launched many events on its Launchpool last year. As reported by Coinspeaker, Catizen unveiled Zircuit, an AI-driven Layer 2 blockchain, in late October. This project offered users 8,333,333 ZRC rewards valued at $1.5 million, with 85% for CATI stakers.
Following this, Catizen hosted a second project called RoOLZ (GODL) on its dedicated Launchpool platform. Coinspeaker highlighted that RoOLZ entered the market with a mix of Anime and short-form videos.
Another big step the gaming platform accomplished in 2024 was the Catizen AirDrop Pass S1, introduced on September 29. It gave away 10 million CATI tokens and rewards like Bombie and Cone to over 2 million players. These events made the platform even more exciting.
Bringing AI, Games, and Rewards to Users Moving forward this year, Catizen is now working on adding artificial intelligence to make the platform smarter and more interactive. AI technology is expected to help improve games, player experiences, and overall engagement on Catizen.
The AI-powered Cat is a big part of this plan, bringing new, fun features to the platform. As AI technology becomes more integrated with Web3, Catizen wants to be a leader. Catizen is planning to add over 200 more mini-games to the Game Center.
This is to give players more choices and earning opportunities, making the CATI token even more valuable. The Catizen AirDrop Pass is also continuing. According to the X post, another 40 million CATI tokens will be given out, along with more Bombie, Cattea, and other rewards this year. These rewards are to keep players excited about their engagement in the ecosystem.
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
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Benjamin Godfrey is a blockchain enthusiast and journalist who relishes writing about the real life applications of blockchain technology and innovations to drive general acceptance and worldwide integration of the emerging technology. His desire to educate people about cryptocurrencies inspires his contributions to renowned blockchain media and sites.
Catizen, a top Telegram Web3 mini app game on TON, has officially announced its strategic partnership with Animoca Brands, a leading firm known for Web3 investments and gaming. Animoca Brands invests in Catizen, signaling even greater momentum for Catizen to expand its ecosystem. This collaboration, in which Catizen has already gained millions, aims to boost Web3 gaming on TON (The Open Network). Citizen has announced this support by Animoca Brands through its official X account.
Catizen to Power Up Its Telegram Surge in Web3 Gaming Catizen onboards more than 40 million users on the Web3 ecosystem. Its viral Telegram success underscores the power of its Mini App gaming within the decentralized landscape. The token economy of Catizen is thriving with over 30 million $CATI tokens.
This ratio of the taken is consumed by the users till date. This advancement in the Catizen ecosystem underscores the engagement of players along with the efficient integration of in-game economics. These in-game economics merge Web3 functionality with that of entertainment.
Catizen’s Long-Term Vision for its Ecosystem Supported by Animoca Brands Animoca Brands invests in Catizen, introducing groundbreaking validation and value to the vision of Catizen. Together, they aim to create a sustainable and robust ecosystem for Web3 gaming. Citizen’s main focuses are on tokens, game, and Mini Apps. With these interests, Catizen strives to build a model starting with Telegram and TON. This model by Catizen will have the scalability to further expand its reach.
This alliance perfectly aligns with the missions of both platforms, arranging tokenized and engaging experiences for the next wave of users to onboard into Web3. The Catizen team builds up the excitement for the upcoming functions. So, the platform is poised to transform mobile gaming in the landscape of blockchain. In this way, Catizen is loyal to redefine casual gameplay into a gateway, making decentralized participations.
AUTHOR
Crypto journalist with years of experience providing in-depth analysis and news on blockchain and decentralized finance. With a keen eye for detail, Shahzaib delivers insightful articles that explore the latest trends, market movements, and innovations within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. His work focuses on educating readers while offering expert commentary on the evolving landscape of digital assets, DeFi protocols, and the broader impact of blockchain technology.
Cat lovers and crypto enthusiasts have found their perfect match in Catizen, a Telegram-based Web3 gaming platform that's quietly revolutionizing how people interact with blockchain technology. This cat-themed entertainment ecosystem operates across The Open Network (TON) and Mantle blockchains, serving as an accessible bridge between traditional Web2 users and decentralized gaming experiences.
The numbers tell an impressive story. With 48.9 million total Catizens and 3.29 million on-chain users, the platform generated $34.15 million in revenue by December 2024. What makes this particularly noteworthy is how Catizen taps into Telegram's massive 900 million monthly user base, combining casual tap-to-earn gameplay with genuine blockchain-based asset ownership.
Looking ahead to 2025, ambitious projections target revenue between $80-100 million. This growth will come from expanded gaming offerings and innovative new features including AI-powered avatars and e-commerce integration. But Catizen's ecosystem already extends far beyond simple gaming, encompassing a Game Center, Launchpool, and cutting-edge features that blend artificial intelligence with decentralized technology.
History and OriginsPluto Studio Limited developed Catizen with a team of over 30 professionals led by CEO David Mak. The development team brought extensive experience in Web3 infrastructure and game development to create the platform's foundation.
Development began in Q1 2023 with infrastructure building, including smart contract development and NFT trading mechanisms designed to ensure transparent ownership of virtual cat assets. The team conducted small-scale testing during Q2 2023 to validate core gameplay concepts and technical systems.
The official open beta launched on March 19, 2024, marking Catizen's entry into the public market. The platform gained recognition at the Hong Kong Web3.0 Carnival during TON DAY and received mention in Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's TOKEN2049 speech, highlighting its integration with Telegram's ecosystem.
Source: MediumFunding and PartnershipsCatizen secured investment from prominent blockchain-focused investors. Key backers include YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs) and The Open Platform (TOP), with funding relationships established since February 2023.
A marketing partnership with TOKYO BEAST FZCO was announced in November 2024, expanding the platform's promotional reach and collaborative network. This partnership includes specific campaign integrations designed to boost user engagement through Telegram Mini App distribution.
Core Platform and Ecosystem ComponentsRather than building just another blockchain game, Catizen has positioned itself as a comprehensive Web3 mini-app center. The platform combines cat-themed gaming with a genuine player-owned economy, designed specifically to onboard Web2 users into Web3 through Telegram's familiar interface. True asset ownership through blockchain technology remains at the core, but accessibility never takes a backseat.
Game Center and Mini-GamesGaming variety drives user engagement, and Catizen delivers with over 50 mini-games spanning diverse gameplay mechanics. BOMBIE stands out as the flagship title, pulling in $9.2 million in revenue since launching in August 2024. More recently, CATTEA arrived in Q1 2025 as a match-three game that monetizes through In-App Advertising.
The portfolio ranges from puzzle-based challenges to competitive gameplay formats, with ambitious expansion plans targeting over 300 mini-games by 2025's end. Upcoming titles like Lucky Galaxy hint at the platform's growing sophistication.
Launchpool and Token DistributionBeyond entertainment, Catizen operates a strategic play-to-airdrop platform called Launchpool. Players earn $CATI tokens and other digital assets through participation, with over $4 million in rewards distributed since launch.
The inaugural Launchpool event for $wCATI demonstrated remarkable community engagement. Launched on April 28, 2024, it attracted over 170,000 participants who collectively staked FishCoin worth $3.9 million. This response validated the platform's token distribution approach while building a committed user base.
Monetization FeaturesRevenue streams extend beyond gaming through carefully designed monetization features. The Airdrop Pass has generated $2 million through user purchases, providing enhanced rewards and exclusive platform access to subscribers.
New initiatives launching throughout 2025 promise to diversify revenue sources further. An e-commerce platform will enable $CATI token spending on everyday transactions, while a short-form video platform inspired by TikTok's format aims to foster user-generated content. The community has already embraced creative expression, producing over 6,000 AI-generated cat videos that showcase the platform's AI capabilities.
Gameplay Mechanics and Player EconomyMEOWverse Digital UniverseStep into the MEOWverse, Catizen's expansive digital universe where millions of players manage virtual cats through tap-to-earn gameplay mechanics. Each cat exists as an NFT, giving players genuine ownership while different cat levels unlock access to platform features like Launchpool participation.
The core gameplay loop centers on caring for virtual cats, jumping into mini-games, and earning various in-game currencies. This creates more than entertainment—it establishes a legitimate player-owned economy where digital assets carry real-world value through blockchain integration.
Currency SystemsMultiple currencies flow through the Catizen ecosystem, each serving specific purposes:
FishCoin: The primary in-game currency with 22.8 billion tokens consumed, valued at $76 million by May 2025vKITTY: Additional in-game currency for specific platform features$CATI: The governance token used for premium features and ecosystem participationExternal currencies: Telegram Stars, TON, and USDT for direct purchasesThis multi-currency approach ensures users can participate regardless of their preferred payment method while maintaining clear utility distinctions between different token types.
Community EngagementRaw numbers showcase the platform's remarkable reach: 48.9 million total Catizens, 3.29 million on-chain users, and 44.9 million on-chain transactions. But these figures only tell part of the story.
Community engagement extends far beyond gameplay through vibrant participation across multiple platforms. The official Telegram announcement channel (@CatizenAnn) boasts over 6 million subscribers, while their X account (@CatizenAI) has attracted over 2.8 million followers. This massive social media presence demonstrates genuine community interest that extends well beyond the game itself.
The creative energy is particularly striking—players have produced over 6,000 AI-generated videos, demonstrating how deeply users connect with the platform's AI-powered features. This level of user-generated content signals genuine community investment rather than passive consumption, supported by active discussions across Telegram, Discord, and Reddit platforms.
CATI Tokenomics and StructureToken Launch and DistributionWhen $CATI launched on September 20, 2024, it marked Catizen's evolution into a fully-fledged tokenized ecosystem. Operating on The Open Network (TON), the governance token maintains a fixed supply of 1 billion tokens with a transparent distribution strategy:
41% allocated for airdrops to community members9% designated for Launchpool rewards5% reserved for liquidity provision1.5% held in treasury for long-term developmentThis structure prioritizes user participation while maintaining platform sustainability, ensuring the community receives the largest share of tokens through airdrops and rewards.
Usage and Consumption PatternsReal-world usage data reveals healthy token adoption. Q4 2024 consumption exceeded 9 million tokens, with 8.39 million supporting game recharges and 1.21 million funding Airdrop Pass purchases.
Annual projections estimate 40 million tokens in consumption—representing 4% of total supply. This consumption rate suggests sustainable tokenomics with significant room for growth as new features launch and user adoption expands.
Buyback MechanismTokenomics get a boost from Catizen's announced buyback program, unveiled at DeInsight 2024. The commitment involves repurchasing over 10 million $CATI tokens annually using 50% of Game Center revenue. This creates deflationary pressure while demonstrating platform profitability.
Additional deflationary mechanisms include $NOT payment integration, which supports token deflation while enhancing $CATI utility through cross-token functionality. These combined forces work to stabilize and potentially appreciate token value over time.
Governance StructureCommunity governance takes center stage through the Catizen Foundation, a non-profit organization that manages token issuance and ecosystem improvements. Rather than top-down control, the foundation employs DAO voting mechanisms where token holders actively participate in platform development decisions.
This structure empowers the community while maintaining operational efficiency. The foundation retains authority to implement token burning using revenue shares, providing additional supply management tools when needed. Transparency remains paramount—all tokenomics data stays accessible through on-chain verification via Ton.app.
Exchange ListingsMajor cryptocurrency exchanges have embraced $CATI, with listings on Binance, OKX, Gate.io, Bybit, and Bitget. These partnerships provide global liquidity and accessibility, ensuring token holders across different regions can trade with confidence and convenience.
Development Roadmap and Future PlansPlatform Development TimelineYear 2024 witnessed Catizen's transformation from concept to major player. The March 19 open beta launch kicked things off, followed by the crucial $CATI token debut on September 20 and the establishment of the Game Center. By year's end, the platform had successfully integrated 20 mini-games and driven over 9 million tokens through its ecosystem—a solid foundation for bigger ambitions.
2025 Roadmap and Current DevelopmentsEach quarter of 2025 has brought significant platform evolution. Q1 delivered a task platform equipped with Web3 advertising systems, while AI Cat integration began introducing virtual companions to enhance community experiences. Games also launched on Line Dapp Portal, expanding the platform's reach.
Q2 marked the full-scale launch of AI Cats, enabling users to interact with intelligent cat avatars for truly immersive gaming and social experiences. The quarter also introduced an AI-driven Twitter Information Monitoring System powered by large AI models, adding sophisticated data analysis capabilities to the platform's toolkit.
Now in Q3, the expansion continues with over 200 mini-apps transforming Catizen into a comprehensive gaming and social hub. Current plans target launching more than 200 additional games, with estimated token consumption surpassing 100 million—a dramatic scale-up from previous quarters.
2025 Strategic InitiativesThe platform's 2025 roadmap encompasses several ambitious initiatives designed to cement its leadership position:
Game Portfolio Expansion: Over 300 mini-games planned by year-end, significantly expanding entertainment options and revenue potential for usersAI Technology Integration: Advanced AI Cat interactions combined with the new AI-driven DeFAI product, including Twitter Information Monitoring System for enhanced data analysis capabilitiesGeographic Market Expansion: Targeted growth across Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States, with strategic partnerships like Thailand's Bitkub exchange strengthening regional presenceTechnical Infrastructure: Cross-chain functionality development integrating additional blockchains beyond TON and Mantle to increase platform accessibilityAugmented Reality Features: AR capabilities enabling real-world interactions with virtual cat assets, bridging digital and physical experiencesSocial Impact Programs: Charitable initiatives increasing to 2% of 2025 revenue for stray cat rescue operations, up from $160,000 contributed in 2024These initiatives collectively represent Catizen's commitment to innovation while maintaining its core mission of making Web3 accessible to mainstream users.
Revenue ProjectionsPlatform revenue projections for 2025 range between $80-100 million, driven by new game launches, increased Airdrop Pass adoption, and continued user base growth. These projections reflect expansion across multiple platform verticals.
Strategic Partnerships and CollaborationsTOKYO BEAST PartnershipThe November 2024 marketing alliance with TOKYO BEAST brings fresh energy to user engagement through the TOKYO BEAST LOVE DROP AirDrop campaign. Delivered via Telegram Mini App integration, this collaboration focuses on building community momentum while expanding Catizen's promotional reach.
Notcoin IntegrationCross-platform collaboration within the TON ecosystem strengthens through $NOT payment integration. This partnership provides additional utility for users while supporting token deflation mechanisms, creating mutual benefits for both platforms' communities.
Exchange CollaborationsMajor exchange partnerships extend far beyond simple token listings. Catizen launched through three separate exchange launchpools: Binance Launchpool (September 16-19, 2024) with 9% token allocation, KuCoin Spotlight (September 18-27, 2024) with 0.01% allocation, and Gate Launchpad (September 21 - October 1, 2024) with 0.003% allocation.
Binance's collaboration also includes $300,000 in FishCoin and MNT token distribution, adding substantial value for platform users. These relationships with Binance, OKX, Gate.io, Bybit, and Bitget ensure global accessibility while providing collaborative marketing opportunities.
Compliance and SecurityThe partnership with Elliptic addresses critical infrastructure needs through Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and on-chain compliance services. This collaboration ensures ecosystem security while meeting regulatory requirements, building trust with both users and institutional partners.
Intellectual Property DiscussionsOngoing conversations with Web2 gaming intellectual property holders could bring established franchises into the Web3 space. Potential integration of iconic properties like King of Fighters represents an opportunity to introduce traditional gaming audiences to blockchain-based experiences.
Technology PartnershipsCollaboration with Google Web3 leverages AI technology for community content creation, including interactive cat videos designed to boost user engagement. This partnership demonstrates how traditional tech giants can integrate with emerging Web3 platforms to create enhanced user experiences.
ConclusionCatizen has proven that Web3 gaming doesn't have to be complicated to be successful. By building on Telegram's familiar interface and focusing on accessible gameplay, the platform has achieved genuine mainstream adoption where others have struggled.
The platform's success stems from solving a fundamental problem: how to make blockchain technology feel natural rather than intrusive. Through cat-themed entertainment and intuitive mechanics, Catizen has onboarded millions of users who might never have engaged with Web3 otherwise.
Looking ahead, the combination of AI integration, expanded gaming options, and strategic partnerships positions Catizen to define what mainstream Web3 entertainment looks like. The platform continues proving that the future of blockchain gaming lies not in complexity, but in making decentralized technology feel effortless.
For more information or if you want to get started, join the 48.9 million Catizens already transforming casual gaming through blockchain technology. Start your journey at catizen.ai, follow the latest updates on X @CatizenAI, or join over 6 million subscribers on their Telegram channel for exclusive announcements and community discussions.
PANews reported on August 21st that Catizen officially announced the launch of the Catizen Play 1.0 platform. This platform aims to enable one-click on-chain access for Web2 games via the Catizen Chain (TON Layer 2 blockchain), providing players with convenient access to hundreds of games and airdrop rewards. The platform fully migrates game payments, data management, and asset circulation to the chain, providing a transparent and efficient solution.
Catizen Play 1.0 significantly reduces costs through on-chain payments, supports NFT-based game asset trading, and empowers players with governance rights, while also improving the game's economic model and community engagement. Officials stated that this is not only a technical optimization, but also a profound reshaping of the relationship between the platform and players.
Rubio: US and Iran to continue technical consultations at the end of this month
Multiple foreign media outlets reported on the 24th that US Secretary of State Rubio said technical teams from the United States and Iran will hold further talks in Switzerland by the end of June. (Xinhua News Agency)
5 hours ago
Over the past 24 hours, total crypto market liquidations hit $606 million, with more than 130,000 traders liquidated.
According to Coinglass data, the global cryptocurrency market recorded $606 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, including $542 million in long-position liquidations and $68.22 million in short-position liquidations. A total of 135,785 traders worldwide were liquidated in the same period, with the largest single liquidation order occurring on Binance’s BTCUSDT trading pair, valued at $12.0111 million.
5 hours ago
Bitcoin falls below $60,000
According to HTX market data, Bitcoin has fallen below $60,000, with a 4.3% drop in the past 24 hours.
5 hours ago
US Treasury Secretary: AI boom may boost productivity and help curb inflation.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent told CNBC in an interview that he hopes the Federal Reserve will remain "open-minded" about the inflation pattern after the reversal of Iran-related energy price hikes. Bessent noted that the U.S. could enter an economic environment marked by high GDP growth without a corresponding rise in traditional inflation. He cited that in the 1990s, Alan Greenspan foresaw that office modernization and the internet could drive non-inflationary growth, and allowed the economy to keep expanding. Bessent believes the U.S. has a strong chance of seeing a similar scenario again. When asked whether the Fed still needs to worry about potential inflation and whether interest rate cuts are possible this year or next, Bessent declined to comment. However, he argued that it is necessary to stay open-minded about the price or inflation impacts from the Iran conflict, and monitor inflation performance after those effects subside. Bessent also said an open mind is needed, as the AI boom could boost productivity and deliver disinflationary effects, helping inflation return to the Fed’s target level. He added that he believes Kevin Warsh will choose the optimal path that meets both the Fed’s inflation and growth mandates. Bessent also noted that Warsh previously took a hawkish stance on inflation.
5 hours ago
US stocks' intraday storage sector sees broad declines, with Western Digital and Seagate Technology both falling over 4%.
According to Bitget data, during U.S. stock trading hours, the storage sector saw broad declines: Western Digital (WDC) fell 4.47%, Seagate Technology (STX) dropped 4.17%, SanDisk (SNDK) declined 2.31%, and Micron Technology (MU) edged down 0.96%. Most optical communication concept stocks rose, with Corning (GLW) leading the gains at 9.75%, followed by Ciena (CIEN) up 3.24%, Coherent (COHR) rising 2.93%, Lumentum (LITE) gaining 2.61%, and Nokia (NOK) advancing 1.82%. Additionally, Marvell Technology (MRVL) fell 2.59% and Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) declined 1.90%.
5 hours ago
During intraday trading in U.S. stocks, crypto-related concept stocks fell broadly, with MSTR dropping more than 7%.
According to Bitget market data, the three major U.S. stock indexes rose broadly: the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.94%, the S&P 500 increased 0.60%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.63%. Crypto-related stocks fell across the board, with declines as follows: Strategy (MSTR) down 7.33%; Circle (CRCL) down 4.35%; Bitmine (BMNR) down 3.97%; Coinbase (COIN) down 3.73%; Robinhood (HOOD) down 3.70%; Gemini (GEMI) down 3.27%; Bullish (BLSH) down 3.25%; Sharplink (SBET) down 3.19%.
Rubio: US and Iran to continue technical consultations at the end of this month
Multiple foreign media outlets reported on the 24th that US Secretary of State Rubio said technical teams from the United States and Iran will hold further talks in Switzerland by the end of June. (Xinhua News Agency)
5 hours ago
Over the past 24 hours, total crypto market liquidations hit $606 million, with more than 130,000 traders liquidated.
According to Coinglass data, the global cryptocurrency market recorded $606 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, including $542 million in long-position liquidations and $68.22 million in short-position liquidations. A total of 135,785 traders worldwide were liquidated in the same period, with the largest single liquidation order occurring on Binance’s BTCUSDT trading pair, valued at $12.0111 million.
5 hours ago
Bitcoin falls below $60,000
According to HTX market data, Bitcoin has fallen below $60,000, with a 4.3% drop in the past 24 hours.
5 hours ago
US Treasury Secretary: AI boom may boost productivity and help curb inflation.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent told CNBC in an interview that he hopes the Federal Reserve will remain "open-minded" about the inflation pattern after the reversal of Iran-related energy price hikes. Bessent noted that the U.S. could enter an economic environment marked by high GDP growth without a corresponding rise in traditional inflation. He cited that in the 1990s, Alan Greenspan foresaw that office modernization and the internet could drive non-inflationary growth, and allowed the economy to keep expanding. Bessent believes the U.S. has a strong chance of seeing a similar scenario again. When asked whether the Fed still needs to worry about potential inflation and whether interest rate cuts are possible this year or next, Bessent declined to comment. However, he argued that it is necessary to stay open-minded about the price or inflation impacts from the Iran conflict, and monitor inflation performance after those effects subside. Bessent also said an open mind is needed, as the AI boom could boost productivity and deliver disinflationary effects, helping inflation return to the Fed’s target level. He added that he believes Kevin Warsh will choose the optimal path that meets both the Fed’s inflation and growth mandates. Bessent also noted that Warsh previously took a hawkish stance on inflation.
5 hours ago
US stocks' intraday storage sector sees broad declines, with Western Digital and Seagate Technology both falling over 4%.
According to Bitget data, during U.S. stock trading hours, the storage sector saw broad declines: Western Digital (WDC) fell 4.47%, Seagate Technology (STX) dropped 4.17%, SanDisk (SNDK) declined 2.31%, and Micron Technology (MU) edged down 0.96%. Most optical communication concept stocks rose, with Corning (GLW) leading the gains at 9.75%, followed by Ciena (CIEN) up 3.24%, Coherent (COHR) rising 2.93%, Lumentum (LITE) gaining 2.61%, and Nokia (NOK) advancing 1.82%. Additionally, Marvell Technology (MRVL) fell 2.59% and Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) declined 1.90%.
5 hours ago
During intraday trading in U.S. stocks, crypto-related concept stocks fell broadly, with MSTR dropping more than 7%.
According to Bitget market data, the three major U.S. stock indexes rose broadly: the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.94%, the S&P 500 increased 0.60%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.63%. Crypto-related stocks fell across the board, with declines as follows: Strategy (MSTR) down 7.33%; Circle (CRCL) down 4.35%; Bitmine (BMNR) down 3.97%; Coinbase (COIN) down 3.73%; Robinhood (HOOD) down 3.70%; Gemini (GEMI) down 3.27%; Bullish (BLSH) down 3.25%; Sharplink (SBET) down 3.19%.
Rubio: US and Iran to continue technical consultations at the end of this month
Multiple foreign media outlets reported on the 24th that US Secretary of State Rubio said technical teams from the United States and Iran will hold further talks in Switzerland by the end of June. (Xinhua News Agency)
5 hours ago
Over the past 24 hours, total crypto market liquidations hit $606 million, with more than 130,000 traders liquidated.
According to Coinglass data, the global cryptocurrency market recorded $606 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, including $542 million in long-position liquidations and $68.22 million in short-position liquidations. A total of 135,785 traders worldwide were liquidated in the same period, with the largest single liquidation order occurring on Binance’s BTCUSDT trading pair, valued at $12.0111 million.
5 hours ago
Bitcoin falls below $60,000
According to HTX market data, Bitcoin has fallen below $60,000, with a 4.3% drop in the past 24 hours.
5 hours ago
US Treasury Secretary: AI boom may boost productivity and help curb inflation.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent told CNBC in an interview that he hopes the Federal Reserve will remain "open-minded" about the inflation pattern after the reversal of Iran-related energy price hikes. Bessent noted that the U.S. could enter an economic environment marked by high GDP growth without a corresponding rise in traditional inflation. He cited that in the 1990s, Alan Greenspan foresaw that office modernization and the internet could drive non-inflationary growth, and allowed the economy to keep expanding. Bessent believes the U.S. has a strong chance of seeing a similar scenario again. When asked whether the Fed still needs to worry about potential inflation and whether interest rate cuts are possible this year or next, Bessent declined to comment. However, he argued that it is necessary to stay open-minded about the price or inflation impacts from the Iran conflict, and monitor inflation performance after those effects subside. Bessent also said an open mind is needed, as the AI boom could boost productivity and deliver disinflationary effects, helping inflation return to the Fed’s target level. He added that he believes Kevin Warsh will choose the optimal path that meets both the Fed’s inflation and growth mandates. Bessent also noted that Warsh previously took a hawkish stance on inflation.
5 hours ago
US stocks' intraday storage sector sees broad declines, with Western Digital and Seagate Technology both falling over 4%.
According to Bitget data, during U.S. stock trading hours, the storage sector saw broad declines: Western Digital (WDC) fell 4.47%, Seagate Technology (STX) dropped 4.17%, SanDisk (SNDK) declined 2.31%, and Micron Technology (MU) edged down 0.96%. Most optical communication concept stocks rose, with Corning (GLW) leading the gains at 9.75%, followed by Ciena (CIEN) up 3.24%, Coherent (COHR) rising 2.93%, Lumentum (LITE) gaining 2.61%, and Nokia (NOK) advancing 1.82%. Additionally, Marvell Technology (MRVL) fell 2.59% and Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) declined 1.90%.
5 hours ago
During intraday trading in U.S. stocks, crypto-related concept stocks fell broadly, with MSTR dropping more than 7%.
According to Bitget market data, the three major U.S. stock indexes rose broadly: the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.94%, the S&P 500 increased 0.60%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.63%. Crypto-related stocks fell across the board, with declines as follows: Strategy (MSTR) down 7.33%; Circle (CRCL) down 4.35%; Bitmine (BMNR) down 3.97%; Coinbase (COIN) down 3.73%; Robinhood (HOOD) down 3.70%; Gemini (GEMI) down 3.27%; Bullish (BLSH) down 3.25%; Sharplink (SBET) down 3.19%.
Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality
Created by industry experts and meticulously reviewed
The highest standards in reporting and publishing
Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality
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Popular crypto analyst on X, cyclop (@nobrainflip) with 346,000 followers made a compelling argument for investors looking to maximize their returns through strategic altcoin investing. With Bitcoin (BTC) making a new all-time high, the focus has shifted to altcoins, which are poised for significant growth in the current bull cycle.
According to the analyst, the market moves in a predictable cycle, starting with a surge in BTC and ETH, followed by high-cap altcoins, and finally, the lower-cap coins. “We’re entering a phase where the real growth will be seen in altcoins, especially those that are new to the market. The first wave with Bitcoin and Ethereum has passed, and now it’s the altcoins’ turn to shine,” the analyst explained. He further claims:
You can still turn $1k into million this cycle. MATIC made 300x after the BTC pump last bull run. Wanna find the next MATIC? Ape in new shiny projects, no ADA, XRP, ATOM. Here’re 8 plays with 100x potential for this cycle.
Highlighting the strategic importance of choosing newer altcoins over veterans like ADA, XRP, and ATOM, the analyst pointed out, “New altcoins are not just about the novelty; they bring to the table advanced technologies, rapid development, and an eagerness to capture market share. This is not merely speculation; it’s a pattern supported by historical market behavior.”
The analyst’s selection of eight altcoins spans sectors with burgeoning potential: AI, GameFi, Layer 2 solutions, and meme coins, each chosen for its unique value proposition and growth trajectory.
Top 8 Altcoins To Turn $1,000 Into $1 Million enqAI (formerly known as noiseGPT) (ENQAI) emerges as a beacon in the artificial intelligence sector within crypto, boasting a market cap of $119 million. The platform’s dedication to uncensored, unbiased AI sets a new standard. “In a market hungry for innovation, enqAI represents the cutting edge of AI within the crypto space,” the analyst elaborates, underscoring the project’s unique position to capitalize on the AI revolution.
Jito Network (JTO) stands out with its strategic enhancements to the Solana ecosystem, featuring a market cap of $300 million. Through its JitoSOL liquid staking pool and MEV products, it aims to redefine efficiency. “Jito Network is not just supporting Solana; it’s propelling it forward,” says the analyst, highlighting its pivotal role in the ecosystem’s expansion.
ChainGPT (CGPT) introduces an avant-garde AI infrastructure designed for the Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto spaces, flaunting a market cap of $156 million. The integration of AI technologies heralds a new era for blockchain functionality. “ChainGPT is at the forefront of the AI and blockchain convergence,” the analyst notes, emphasizing its innovative approach.
Starknet (STRK), with a $1.7 billion market cap, shines as a ZK-Rollup Layer 2 scaling solution, championing Ethereum’s scalability without compromising security. The involvement of Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin further elevates its stature. “Starknet’s innovation, backed by Ethereum’s own Vitalik Buterin, is set to play a crucial role in the next phase of blockchain scalability,” the analyst reflects, indicating a significant endorsement.
Celestia (TIA) marks a revolution in blockchain technology with its modular approach, boasting a $2.6 billion market cap. This innovation paves the way for simplified blockchain launches. “Celestia is redefining blockchain architecture, making it more accessible and scalable for future innovators,” the analyst explains, showcasing its potential to transform the blockchain landscape.
In the GameFi arena, Heroes of Mavia (MAVIA) captures attention with its strategic gameplay and immersive world, supported by a market cap of $178 million. This Web3 MMO strategy game merges gaming with blockchain in novel ways. “MAVIA isn’t just a game; it’s the future of integrated blockchain gaming,” the analyst states, highlighting its potential to redefine gaming experiences.
Milady Meme Coin (LADYS), adorned with a lively NFT collection and an engaging community, carves its niche with a market cap of $97 million. “Milady Meme Coin embodies the spirit of crypto’s culture, merging art with community in an unprecedented way,” the analyst comments, capturing the essence of its appeal.
SatoshiVM (SAVM) rounds out the list with its innovative Bitcoin ZK Rollup Layer 2 solution, showcasing a market cap of $51 million. Its approach to utilizing BTC for gas fees introduces a novel utility for Bitcoin. “SatoshiVM’s pioneering solution leverages Bitcoin’s security in a way that could redefine its application in the broader DeFi ecosystem,” the analyst anticipates, envisioning a new trajectory for Bitcoin’s utility.
At press time, JTO traded at $2.8677.
JTO price, 1-day chart | Source: JTOUSD on TradingView.com Featured image created with DALL·E, chart from TradingView.com
Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality
Created by industry experts and meticulously reviewed
The highest standards in reporting and publishing
Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality
Morbi pretium leo et nisl aliquam mollis. Quisque arcu lorem, ultricies quis pellentesque nec, ullamcorper eu odio.
Miles Deutscher, a prominent crypto analyst with over 575,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), has unveiled his top ten artificial intelligence (AI) altcoins poised for significant growth by 2025. Emphasizing the burgeoning potential of the AI sector within the cryptocurrency landscape, Deutscher suggests that this could be “the biggest opportunity of the bull run.”
Why AI Offers A Lot Of Potential Deutscher highlights the rapid expansion of the global AI market, noting that it grew by approximately $50 billion between 2023 and 2024. Projections estimate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.46%, potentially surpassing $826 billion by 2030. Despite AI’s significant presence in public discourse—accounting for nearly one-third of attention in the crypto space—it currently ranks as the 34th largest crypto sector by market capitalization, trailing behind sectors like liquid staking, memecoins, and decentralized finance (DeFi). “Yet, AI is still only the 34th ranked crypto sector by market cap, behind liquid staking, dog memes, DeFi, and more. I could easily see AI as a top 5-10 sector in a year’s time,” Deutscher stated.
He argues that this disparity presents a massive opportunity for investors. “Many mid-low cap AI tokens are still sitting at ridiculously low valuations. All it takes is a strong rotation into AI for many of these to quickly reprice 5-10x higher,” he explained. Deutscher outlines his fundamental thesis for why AI crypto is set for substantial growth. Firstly, he notes that everyone is becoming aware of how impactful AI will be on society. “Either people are scared, excited, or intrigued by the latest developments. This already cements AI in general in the minds of the masses,” he said.
Secondly, he points out that AI is constantly innovating, with new products regularly entering the market. “Every time a new AI product is released, this puts even more focus on the sector. And crypto is an attention economy. More eyeballs equals more speculation,” Deutscher observed. Thirdly, he believes that crypto offers a lower barrier to gain exposure to the growth of AI. “Crypto is easier to access, able to be fractionalized, and generally ‘cheaper’ than investing in, let’s say, AI equities. For retail, this is a massive benefit,” he asserted.
Finally, he highlights the recent rise of AI agents, which has made people aware of the power of AI integrated with crypto. “We’re moving into a future where AI agents will trade autonomously on-chain for you, manage your portfolio and risk, DeFi, and more. It’s going to completely change the landscape of crypto,” Deutscher predicted. He also notes that this trend is occurring in traditional tech sectors, with corporations like Adobe and Expedia integrating AI agents into their operations.
Focusing on the AI and crypto landscape, Deutscher mentions that he is investing across various verticals, with a particular emphasis on AI agents and AI infrastructure. He is concentrating on “pick-and-shovel infrastructure protocols” rather than individual AI agents or broader DePIN plays. He discloses that he holds positions in all the projects he mentions, some as a strategic advisor and investor.
Top 10 AI Altcoins Deutscher’s top ten AI altcoins, ordered from the largest to the smallest market capitalization, are as follows.
First on the list is Bittensor (TAO), which he describes as the AI market leader. Bittensor focuses on decentralizing AI research and has already seen significant adoption in scientific communities. “With the recent rollout of EVM compatibility, the network has taken a huge step forward, opening the door for developers to build DeFi ecosystems and unlock new use cases,” Deutscher noted.
Second is NEAR Protocol (NEAR), which he identifies as the leading Layer 1 (L1) blockchain intersecting with AI. “For those bullish on both verticals, NEAR serves as a solid proxy. Fun fact: Since its mainnet launch in October 2020, it has maintained 100% uptime,” he remarked.
Third is Grass (GRASS), a standout launch this cycle due to its data pipeline that seamlessly connects the real world with AI and crypto. “Recent developments in AI make data one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Grass uses crypto incentives to create a data pipeline that most AI companies otherwise cannot tap into,” he explained. He added that the demand for the Grass network is undeniable and that the protocol’s future looks incredibly promising.
Fourth is Spectral (SPEC), one of the leading AI agent infrastructure plays, allowing anyone to deploy and engage with AI agents. “With Syntax V2, you’ll be able to interact with sentient agents with personalities, which trade on Hyperliquid in accordance with the community’s input. It’s an interesting mix of fun, collaboration, and speculation,” Deutscher commented.
Fifth is Mode Network (MODE), which, although known as a Layer 2 (L2) solution, has been building AI technology for over a year. “They are leading the future of DeFi by facilitating the deployment of AI-driven agents, which will autonomously farm yield and optimize your portfolio on your behalf,” he said.
Sixth on the list is NeuralAI (NEURAL), connecting AI and gaming—two of crypto’s biggest adoption drivers. “They just announced SentiOS, which supplies autonomous AI to create, populate, and bring virtual worlds and economies to life,” Deutscher mentioned.
Seventh is PinLinkAi, where Deutscher is a strategic advisor and investor. PinLink is the first real-world asset-tokenized DePIN platform, empowering the fractional ownership of yield-bearing assets, physical or digital. “They have also recently partnered with Akash, Pendle, FetchAI, OpenSea, Alephium, ParallelAI, and more. Their business development is on another level,” he praised.
Eighth is Zero1 Labs (DEAI), another project where he serves as a strategic advisor and investor. Zero1 Labs enables innovators to build decentralized AI applications with fully homomorphic encryption, ensuring secure data governance and complete privacy. “Think of it as a pick-and-shovel AI infrastructure play. With a market cap of around $76 million, this is one of my ‘higher upside’ AI bets,” Deutscher revealed. He noted the debut of Seraphnet, the first of many projects planned through their incubator.
Ninth is Empyreal, also a project where he is an advisor and investor. As a believer in AI agents, Deutscher highlights that Empyreal provides AI infrastructure to turn social media messages into on-chain actions like trades and swaps through their Simulacrum platform. “It’s super cool,” he added.
Tenth is enqAI (ENQAI), another project where Deutscher is involved as an advisor and investor. EnqAI is a decentralized large language model network solving the bias and censorship issues common to centralized AI. “Despite its $20 million market cap, enqAI already has 20,000 monthly active users across 50-plus countries and has already handled over one million API requests with minimal downtime or lags,” he highlighted.
As a bonus, Deutscher mentions Guru Network (GURU), where he is also an advisor and investor. With its Layer 3 mainnet now live, Guru powers AI processors and chatbots with a decentralized exchange, stablecoin support, bridges, and base chain integration. “I’ve been working with Guru to launch a Telegram and Discord mini-app, delivering a full turnkey solution for DeFi on Telegram. It’s going to be very cool!” he exclaimed.
Deutscher emphasizes the importance of risk management. He reveals that his personal portfolio balance is approximately 70% large caps and 30% small to mid caps. “I recommend that you do your own research, and if you do decide to take a position in any of these protocols, make sure to manage position sizing and risk in line with your goals and overall strategy,” he advised.
At press time, TAO traded at $630.80.
TAO price, 1-day chart | Source: TAOUSDT on TradingView.com Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com
Aera Protocol, a platform offering autonomous, data-driven treasury management, has partnered with Seamless Protocol and Aerodrome to introduce an advanced approach to liquidity management on Coinbase’s Layer 2 blockchain, Base.
The collaboration focuses on deploying Protocol-Owned Liquidity (POL) strategies, utilizing automation to enhance liquidity management for decentralized organizations.
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Protocol-Owned Liquidity (POL) refers to liquidity held and managed directly by DeFi protocols or DAOs rather than relying on third-party providers. POL ensures a consistent token availability, POL reduces slippage and encourages deeper market participation.
“We are enabling DAOs and leading DeFi projects to automate and optimize their liquidity strategies in a simple, transparent, and autonomous manner,” said Matt Dobel, Head of Business Development at Gauntlet.
Aera’s partnership with Seamless, a decentralized lending and borrowing platform, and Aerodrome, a decentralized exchange on Base, focuses on utilizing POL strategies to optimize liquidity.
“Automating POL management saves valuable time and resources while embodying the principles of decentralization and governance,” said Richy, a contributor of Seamless.
Aera Protocol’s automation marks a significant step in liquidity management but currently relies on predefined parameters and oversight by trusted guardians like Gauntlet. While AI agents are not yet integrated, the system’s robust automation lays the groundwork for future AI-driven management.
The collaboration aligns with recent developments in the DeFi sector, where AI agents are being introduced to manage digital assets autonomously.
Coinbase has initiated the integration of AI into blockchain environments, enabling AI agents to operate crypto wallets and perform on-chain tasks such as trading, staking, and interacting with smart contracts.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Diego Almada Lopez. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Seamless Protocol launched its USDC Vault on Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, utilizing Morpho’s infrastructure and Gauntlet’s risk management capabilities.
The vault introduces isolated market architecture to DeFi lending, allowing for unique risk profiles and avoiding systemic risks associated with traditional pooled liquidity models.
This structure enables Seamless to onboard new assets and strategies while customizing risk parameters.
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“Working alongside Morpho and Gauntlet underscores our commitment to leveraging innovative technology for tailored lending and borrowing solutions that prioritize user experience,” said Richy Qiao, a core contributor to Seamless.
The protocol plans to offer SEAM token rewards to participants, funded through governance-approved budgets, as part of its expansion beyond traditional lending and borrowing services.
Morpho recently expanded its presence through a partnership with Coinbase, launching Bitcoin-backed loans that allow US customers to borrow up to $100,000 in USDC against their Bitcoin holdings.
The service operates on Base using Morpho’s infrastructure.
The collaboration between Seamless, Morpho, and Gauntlet integrates risk optimization and efficient market infrastructure on Base, adding to the Layer 2 network’s growing DeFi ecosystem.
Disclosure: Some investors in Crypto Briefing are also investors in Seamless Protocol.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Estefano Gomez. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
The DeFi lending protocol Seamless, today announced the migration of its entire infrastructure to Morpho, a decentralized lending protocol managing over $500 million in liquidity on Coinbase-incubated Base and $2.4 billion on Ethereum.
The transition, approved by the Seamless DAO in early 2025, transforms Seamless into a “platformless” DeFi venue built on Morpho’s permissionless infrastructure.
“We’re using existing liquidity to fuel future product developments such as Leverage Tokens which tap into Base liquidity sources,” said Wes Frederickson, Seamless Co-Founder and CTO. “As the first to go fully platformless, we’re proving that less infrastructure means more value for borrowers. This is Seamless 2.0.”
Paul Frambot, co-founder and CEO of Morpho Labs, said:
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“Seamless’s vision is backed by Morpho’s permissionless and immutable infrastructure. The Morpho Stack allows the Seamless team to focus on product innovation and growth.”
The Seamless ecosystem currently serves over 200,000 wallets with $70 million in TVL.
The platform’s 2025 product roadmap includes leverage tokens, expanded borrowing products, and real-world asset integrations.
In January, Coinbase reintroduced Bitcoin-backed loans through a partnership with Morpho’s DeFi platform, allowing users to borrow up to $100,000 in USDC.
Disclosure: Some investors in Crypto Briefing are also investors in Seamless Protocol.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Diego Almada Lopez. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Jumper Exchange, a well-known decentralized cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a new partnership with SeamlessFi P2P lending platform and Morpho Labs decentralized lending firm. The collaboration aims to offer DeFi vaults that offer high-APY opportunity for a limited time. The platform revealed this development on its official social media account.
We’ve teamed up with @MorphoLabs and @SeamlessFi to bring you a high-APY, limited-spot opportunity over the next 30 days that you won’t want to miss 🔥
Here’s the breakdown:
– Min deposit: $5K
– Max cap: $10K per wallet to earn the boosted APY
– Seamless WETH Vault (600… pic.twitter.com/lEElDHqTmJ
— Jumper (@JumperExchange) May 6, 2025 Jumper Exchange, Seamless Protocol and Morpho Labs Collaborate to Offer High-APY Spot Vaults Jumper Exchange’s partnership with Seamless Protocol and Morpho Labs focuses on offering high-yield vaults to enable seamless DeFi experience. These limited spot vaults provide huge annual percentage yields (APY) via deposits in USD Coin ($USDC) and Wrapped Ethereum ($WETH). This highlights a noteworthy opportunity with a capitalization of 1,000 cumulative spots. The project is anticipated to get rapid traction as the consumers are endeavoring to leverage competitive yields.
In line with the details of the latest vaults, the minimum deposit limit is $5,000 for each wallet for enhanced APY. Additionally, the maximum eligible capitalization is $10,000. Particularly, Seamless $WETH Vault is set to provide an 11% APY, which will be limited to nearly 600 spots. Along with that, Seamless $USDC Vaults is poised to offer almost 15% APY but its limit will be 400 spots.
Driving Yield Innovation and DeFi Composability According to Jumper Exchange, the consumers need to quickly avail themselves of this opportunity, and it follows “first come, first served” principle. Additionally, this partnership marks the strengthening of yield innovation and DeFi composability. Hence, the interested people will require acting quickly to get passive income for their $WETH or $USDC coins.
AUTHOR
Umair Younas is a cryptocurrency-related content writer linked with this work since 2019. Here, at Blockchainreporter, he serves as a news and article writer. He is a crypto, blockchain, NFTs, DeFi, and FinTech enthusiast. He has strong command over writing authentic reviews about brokers and exchanges and he has collaborated with our education team to write educational content as well. He has a dream to raise awareness among people about digital currencies. His works are well-researched and brimmed with information hence they provide fresh insights. Stay tuned to his posts if you want to stay up-to-date with the crypto-verse.
Seamless Protocol launched Leverage Tokens on Base today, introducing automated DeFi strategies packaged as ERC-20 assets that combine collateral, lending, swaps, and rebalancing functions into a single token.
The protocol, which debuted in 2023 as Base’s first native lending and borrowing platform, currently supports over 250,000 wallets and maintains more than $100 million in total value locked (TVL). In early 2025, Seamless transitioned to Morpho’s permissionless lending infrastructure.
The new Leverage Tokens build upon the protocol’s Integrated Liquidity Markets (ILMs), which launched in 2024 and attracted over 6,500 users.
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At launch, the first Leverage Token debuting on Seamless is a 17x yield loop built on Ether Fi’s weETH/ETH staking pair. By simply holding the token, users gain exposure to amplified ETH staking rewards while earning ecosystem points from Ether Fi and Eigenlayer.
There’s no need to manage the underlying loop, no borrowing, swapping, or manual rebalancing. The entire strategy is embedded in the token’s logic and maintained on-chain by Seamless’s leverage engine.
The tokens utilize a modular system comprising Collateral Adapters, Lending Adapters, and Rebalance Adapters to manage assets, connect to capital sources, and automate leverage adjustments. As standard ERC-20 tokens, they can be traded, used as collateral, or integrated with other DeFi protocols on Base.
Seamless plans to expand its token offerings to include long and short blue chip exposure, delta-neutral yield farming, meme coin loops, and meta-strategies combining multiple primitives. The protocol will also implement a DAO-governed fee switch that directs token revenue to stkSEAM holders.
In traditional markets, leveraged ETFs hit $130 billion in assets under management by mid-2023. Seamless sees Leverage Tokens as a decentralized evolution of that model, but without the institutional gatekeeping, opaque risk, or limited integrations.
Disclosure: Some investors in Crypto Briefing are also investors in Seamless Protocol.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Estefano Gomez. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Seamless Protocol introduces leverage tokens on the Ethereum mainnet this week, bringing capital-efficient DeFi strategies to users through automated ERC-20 tokens.
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Leverage Tokens, a Seamless Protocol innovation, enable one-click access to leveraged DeFi positions through tokenized strategies on Ethereum. The tokens encapsulate complex looping strategies within standard ERC-20 infrastructure for simplified user interaction.
Seamless Protocol has deployed Leverage Token smart contracts on Ethereum mainnet, delivering strategy automation directly to users via simple tokens. Two new partners are set to launch Leverage Token strategies on the network, enhancing looping capabilities for deeper onchain liquidity access.
Cantina conducted a security audit of the Leverage Token mainnet deployment, focusing on infrastructure for DeFi strategy automation within ERC-20 tokens. The launch expands composability for Ethereum-based dapps with tokenized leverage features for seamless integration.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Estefano Gomez. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
PANews reported on April 8th that, according to an official announcement, Seamless Protocol, the DeFi lending protocol within the Base ecosystem, will be gradually shutting down after two and a half years of operation. The UI will be taken offline on June 30, 2026, at which time the team will no longer provide support. Users must withdraw all assets through the UI before this date, and leveraged tokens must be redeemed before the UI is discontinued. Seamless's vault on Morpho will be closed in an orderly manner. Gauntlet, as the curator, will withdraw all lent assets from the Morpho marketplace, and users can withdraw directly through the Morpho application. Staking SEAM will be gradually shut down due to the termination of its yield source. Core contributors will prepare a governance proposal to distribute the remaining assets of the DAO vault to SEAM token holders.
The project was shut down for several reasons, including: the leveraged token failed to find a true product-market fit; liquidity caps and structural issues in the DeFi lending market limited scalability; and there were few viable revenue streams in the current market. The protocol operated in a capital-efficient bootstrapping manner, without investors or external funding, but lacked a clear path to sustainable revenue. The team stated that while the mechanism they built was effective, the market conditions for scaling it out had not yet materialized.
The ceasefire agreement has two versions: the Persian version contains hidden uranium enrichment clauses, while the English version has none.
According to a report by the Associated Press cited by Jinshi, Iran added the phrase "accepting uranium enrichment" to its Persian version of its ten-point ceasefire plan, a detail absent from the English version distributed to journalists by Iranian diplomats. The specific reason for this omission is currently unclear. Trump stated that completely ending Iran's nuclear program is a key objective of this war.
US officials: We will firmly demand that Iran remove its nuclear materials and stop uranium enrichment.
According to a report by Israel's N12 news agency cited by Jinshi, a senior US government official stated that the US had coordinated with Israel beforehand regarding a temporary ceasefire. The US has made it clear to Israel that during the negotiations to be held over the next two weeks, it will firmly insist that Iran remove its nuclear materials, cease uranium enrichment, and eliminate the ballistic missile threat.
Iran says it agrees to negotiations but has "complete distrust" of the United States.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement on the 8th, saying that based on the suggestion of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and with the approval of the Supreme National Security Council, Iran will hold two weeks of negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on the 10th, but Iran "has complete distrust" of the United States.
Yi Lihua: The current market environment is similar to that of 2019; focus on bottom-fishing opportunities in the secondary market and investment opportunities in the primary market.
Yi Lihua, founder of Liquid Capital (formerly LD Capital), posted on social media, "The war is confirmed to be over. There are no inside stories, and neither side has any reason to continue fighting. We'll see where to take profits after the rebound. This year's cryptocurrency market is very similar to 2019. Secondary liquidity has plummeted, primary investment confidence is almost nonexistent, Web3 companies are laying off large numbers of employees, and many industry professionals are switching careers. Be greedy when others are fearful. This year is definitely the best time to buy the dip in the secondary market and invest in the primary market, just like in 2019. Institutions that bought the dip in the secondary market and invested in the primary market in 2019 were the biggest winners in the 2020 bull market, and we are working hard to do both of these things well."
Israeli media reports that Israel "is continuing its attacks on Iran."
According to Xinhua News Agency, The Times of Israel quoted a security official on the 8th as saying that despite the ceasefire announced by the United States and Iran, Israel "is still continuing to strike Iran."
Arthur Hayes: The only token I've bought right now is HYPE.
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes posted on the X platform: "The only token we are currently buying is HYPE."
Changpeng Zhao's new book: I never seriously considered acquiring FTX, and I had little interest in helping SBF.
According to CoinDesk, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao revealed in his newly published memoir, *Freedom of Money*, that in November 2022, shortly before FTX's collapse, Sam Bankman-Fried casually asked him for "billions of dollars, like ordering a Bologna sandwich" over the phone. Zhao stated that he never seriously considered acquiring FTX, and signing the non-binding letter of intent was merely a formality to assess whether it could protect users. Zhao wrote, "I had no interest in owning FTX, and I wasn't particularly interested in helping SBF. But we might have had to act to protect users and the entire industry."
US media: Iran and Oman will impose "passage fees" on the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire.
According to a report by the Associated Press cited by Jinshi, a regional official revealed that the two-week ceasefire plan includes allowing Iran and Oman to charge tolls for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Solana's ecosystem DEX Stabble is urging LPs to withdraw funds after discovering a former employee was a North Korean developer.
According to The Block, Stabble, a decentralized exchange within the Solana ecosystem, issued an urgent notice urging liquidity providers to withdraw their funds immediately because a North Korean employee had previously worked on the project. This warning appears to have been triggered by information from on-chain sleuth ZachXBT, who disclosed that a North Korean developer had worked for several years on Solana's DeFi infrastructure project, Elemental. US authorities had previously warned that North Korean technicians were using fake identities to infiltrate crypto companies, and over the weekend, Drift Protocol stated that its $280 million attack was likely carried out by the same North Korean hackers who carried out the Radiant Capital attack in October 2024.
Coinbase will suspend trading in 25 perpetual contracts on April 21.
According to an official announcement, Coinbase will suspend trading of the following perpetual contracts on Coinbase Advanced and Coinbase International exchanges at approximately 21:00 (UTC+8) on April 21, 2026: TRB-PERP, RARE-PERP, NEIRO-PERP, A-PERP, ME-PERP, XTZ-PERP, KMNO-PERP, RAY-PERP, STX-PERP, ENS-PERP, GMT-PERP, SNX-PERP, 1000FLOKI-PERP, 0G-PERP, ORDI-PERP, NIL-PERP, BIO-PERP, UMA-PERP, BEAM-PERP, INIT-PERP, SOMI-PERP...
Coinbase adds CHIP to its listing roadmap
According to an official announcement, Coinbase has added CHIP to its listing roadmap. The listing of these assets still depends on the availability of market-making support and technical infrastructure. The specific listing time will be announced separately once the relevant conditions are met.
The Base ecosystem project Seamless Protocol has announced it will be gradually shutting down, with its UI being taken offline on June 30th.
According to an official announcement, Seamless Protocol, the DeFi lending protocol within the Base ecosystem, will be gradually shutting down after two and a half years of operation. The UI will be taken offline on June 30, 2026, at which time the team will no longer provide support. Users must withdraw all assets through the UI before this date, and leveraged tokens must be redeemed before the UI is discontinued. Seamless's vault on Morpho will be closed in an orderly manner. Gauntlet, as the curator, will withdraw all lent assets from the Morpho marketplace, and users can withdraw directly through the Morpho application. Staking SEAM will be gradually shut down due to the termination of its yield source. Core contributors will prepare a governance proposal to distribute the remaining assets of the DAO vault to SEAM token holders.
The whale's long positions, which were initially targeted with a "10-point target," have yielded profits exceeding $11.575 million.
According to on-chain analyst @ai_9684xtpa, the whale @Jason60704294, who had set 10 big targets, profited $11.575 million. He tweeted that he had closed his positions, with his long position of 2520.52 BTC ultimately yielding a profit of $11.37 million, from an opening price of $67,449 to a closing price of $71,988. In addition, his SOL long position profited $182,000, and his DOGE long position profited $23,000, recovering the expected loss of $5.247 million from his previous long BTC position.
Pakistani Prime Minister: The ceasefire between Iran and the United States will take effect at 3:30 a.m. Iranian time on the 8th.
According to CCTV News, citing Iranian sources early on the 8th local time, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has invited delegations from Iran and the United States to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, for negotiations. Sharif also stated that the ceasefire between Iran and the United States will take effect at 3:30 AM Iranian time on the 8th (8:00 AM Beijing time on the 8th).
The U.S. FDIC has released a draft guideline for institutions issuing stablecoins, covering reserves, redemption, and capital requirements.
According to Bloomberg, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has released a draft guidance on stablecoin issuance by banks and fintech subsidiaries, covering provisions regarding reserve assets, stablecoin redemption, permitted activities, and capital requirements. FDIC Chairman Travis Hill stated that stablecoins and tokenized deposit products continue to grow and their applications expand due to advancements in digital assets, technological developments in financial institutions, and the Trump administration's support for the crypto industry. This proposal is part of the rule-making work undertaken by the FDIC, OCC, and the Federal Reserve following the passage of the GENIUS Act last year. The FDIC plans to solicit public comment on 144 specific issues, including permitted and prohibited activities, capital requirements, pass-through insurance treatment, and profit restrictions. The proposal will also reaffirm through legislation that tokenized deposits remain deposits under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
Iranian Foreign Minister: With Iran's coordination, the Strait of Hormuz will be safe for passage in the next two weeks.
According to Jinshi News, Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi stated that if attacks on Iran cease, Iran's powerful armed forces will halt defensive operations. With coordination with the Iranian armed forces and full consideration of technical limitations, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is expected within the next two weeks.
Iran accepted Pakistan's two-week ceasefire proposal, and negotiations between Iran and the United States will begin on April 10.
According to a report by CCTV cited by Jinshi, Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement early on the 8th local time, stating that, based on the advice of the Supreme Leader and with the approval of the Supreme National Security Council, it accepted Pakistan's proposal for a two-week ceasefire. The statement indicated that Iran rejected all plans put forward by its adversaries and formulated a ten-point plan, which was submitted to the United States through Pakistan.
Trump: Agreed to suspend bombings and attacks on Iran for two weeks
According to Jinshi News, US President Trump stated early this morning: "Based on my talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif and Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir, who requested that I not deploy destructive forces to Iran tonight, and on the condition that Iran agrees to a full, immediate, and secure opening of the Strait of Hormuz, I have agreed to a two-week suspension of bombing and attacks against Iran. This will be a two-way ceasefire! The reason for this is that we have met and even exceeded all military objectives and made significant progress toward a long-term peace agreement with Iran and a Middle East peace agreement. We received Iran's ten-point proposal and consider it a viable basis for negotiations. Almost all past points of contention between the United States and Iran have been resolved, and two weeks will allow the agreement to be finalized and take effect."
Fox News and Kalshi have partnered to integrate predictive market data into multiple news programs.
According to The Block, Fox Corporation has partnered with prediction market platform Kalshi to integrate Kalshi's real-time data into Fox News, Fox Business Network, Fox Weather, and the streaming platform Fox One for visualization of political, economic, weather, and cultural news. Kalshi has previously partnered with CNN and CNBC. This collaboration does not currently include Fox Sports, but Kalshi stated that sports data may be included "in the future."
Circle minted an additional 500 million USDC on the Solana chain.
On-chain data shows that Circle, the issuer of the stablecoin, just minted a total of 500 million USDC on the Solana chain in two separate transactions, and has issued a total of 1 billion USDC in the past 24 hours.
Morgan Stanley Bitcoin ETF MBST may be listed on April 8.
According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, the NYSE Arca listing notice for Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust shows that the Bitcoin ETF, codenamed MBST, will be announced on March 23, 2026, with an effective date of April 8, 2026. The exchange will be NYSE Arca, and the security type will be an exchange-traded product.
The Rayls public blockchain mainnet will launch at 23:00 on April 30th, with the RLS deflation mechanism starting simultaneously.
According to the Rayls blog, the Rayls Public Chain mainnet will officially launch at 11 PM Beijing time on April 30th, simultaneously introducing a staking program and the native stablecoin USDr. After the mainnet launch, network fees will trigger automatic RLS buybacks, 50% burning, and validator reward distribution. Starting in April 2026, the foundation will also burn an additional 10% of the monthly unlocked shares to strengthen the deflationary mechanism.
Robinhood lists Solana ecosystem tokens ORCA and RAY.
Robinhood has announced that its cryptocurrency platform has launched trading of Solana ecosystem tokens ORCA and RAY, which are also available to users in New York State.
Tether CEO: The team is developing a decentralized search engine called Hypersearch.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated that the team is developing a decentralized search engine called hypersearch, which is based on a distributed hash table (DHT) architecture.
CME Group plans to launch AVAX and Sui futures contracts on May 4, and will support 24/7 trading starting May 29.
According to CME Group's official website, CME Group (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) announced plans to launch Avalanche (AVAX) and Sui (SUI) futures contracts on May 4th, pending regulatory approval. The new products include AVAX futures (contract size 5,000 AVAX) and Micro AVAX futures (500 AVAX), as well as SUI futures (50,000 SUI) and Micro SUI futures (5,000 SUI), providing institutional and individual investors with different contract size options. CME stated that its cryptocurrency derivatives trading volume averaged approximately $8 billion per day in March, a 19% year-over-year increase. Starting May 29th, all CME cryptocurrency futures and options will support 24/7 trading.
US Vice President Vance: The deadline for Iran is 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday.
According to Jinshi News, US Vice President Vance stated that the strike on the USS Halke does not signify a strategic shift. He reiterated that the deadline for action against Iran is 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. We will receive a response from Iran by 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The US is confident that Iran will respond. Iran has never been the fastest negotiator, and it remains so.
Trump: The entire Iranian civilization will perish tonight.
US President Trump, speaking about Iran, said that the entire civilization will perish tonight and never recover. "I don't want that to happen, but it's very likely to happen. However, now that we have achieved a complete and thorough regime change, with a new, wiser, and more mature government in power, perhaps something truly transformative will happen—who knows? Tonight we will know all this; it is an extremely important moment in the long and complex history of the world."
Crypto hedge fund Split Capital has dissolved, and its founder has become an executive at stablecoin company Plasma.
Crypto hedge fund Split Capital has returned funds to external investors, and founder Zaheer Ebtikar has announced his joining stablecoin startup Plasma as Chief Strategy Officer. Ebtikar stated that the fund achieved approximately 100% returns in 2024 and 20% in 2025, and its assets under management once reached "eight figures" in US dollars. However, he believes the crypto hedge fund model is unsustainable, partly because large institutions can directly gain exposure through crypto ETFs issued by companies like BlackRock and Fidelity. Split Capital will operate on a small scale with only its own capital going forward. Plasma is preparing to launch a consumer-facing stablecoin application, positioning itself as a competitor to new types of banks such as SoFi and Revolut.
The Ministry of State Security warns of the risks of "word-based scams": speculation on "staking on words" and "over-the-counter trading" may involve illegal financial activities.
According to the Beijing Youth Daily, the Ministry of State Security recently issued a statement pointing out that with the surge in the use of AI "tokens," various scams using gimmicks such as "token investment," "get rich quick by hoarding tokens," and "profit from over-the-counter trading" have frequently emerged. Some of these activities are suspected of being illegal financial activities and may even be used by foreign intelligence agencies to steal data and infiltrate funds, endangering national economic and data security. The article emphasizes that tokens are essentially digital identity credentials and carriers of AI billing and rights, not investment products. It warns the public to be wary of low-priced token packages, so-called token wealth management, and mining projects, and to avoid logging in, transferring funds, or filling in private information in insecure network environments. If any abnormalities are discovered, the public should promptly stop the losses and report to the relevant authorities.
OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and other US companies have joined forces in a rare move to curb Chinese competitors from developing US AI models.
According to Bloomberg, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, through the Frontier Model Forum established in partnership with Microsoft, are jointly identifying and blocking "adversarial distillation" activities originating from China and other regions. This aims to prevent third parties from massively using their closed model outputs to train copycats. These companies claim that Chinese teams like DeepSeek are allegedly using distillation techniques to replicate their cutting-edge model capabilities, circumventing security alignment mechanisms, creating price competition, and are considered potential national security risks. The US government has already proposed supporting the establishment of industry information-sharing mechanisms in its AI action plan, while US companies are seeking clearer compliance guidance under antitrust rules.
CoinShares: Digital asset investment products saw net inflows of $224 million last week, with XRP leading the way.
According to the CoinShares Research Blog, digital asset investment products recorded net inflows of approximately $224 million last week, but this turned into a slight outflow in the latter part of the week due to stronger-than-expected retail sales data and more hawkish interest rate expectations. By region, Switzerland contributed the most inflows at approximately $157.5 million, followed by Germany and Canada at $27.7 million and $11.2 million respectively, while the United States only saw approximately $27.5 million. By asset class, XRP saw a weekly inflow of approximately $119.6 million, the highest since mid-December 2025, with cumulative inflows reaching $159 million this year, representing 7% of assets under management; Bitcoin saw inflows of approximately $107.3 million, but still experienced a net outflow of approximately $145 million this month. Meanwhile, products shorting Bitcoin recorded inflows of $16 million, the highest since mid-November last year.
Iran has rejected a temporary ceasefire agreement and is demanding tolls for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters, citing a senior Iranian source, reported that Tehran has rejected any temporary ceasefire agreement with the United States. Tehran has set preconditions for talks with the US on "lasting peace." These preconditions include an immediate cessation of attacks, guarantees against future attacks, and compensation for damages. Under a permanent peace agreement, Tehran demands fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with fees varying based on ship type, cargo, and current passage conditions.
Rubio: US and Iran to continue technical consultations at the end of this month
Multiple foreign media outlets reported on the 24th that US Secretary of State Rubio said technical teams from the United States and Iran will hold further talks in Switzerland by the end of June. (Xinhua News Agency)
5 hours ago
Over the past 24 hours, total crypto market liquidations hit $606 million, with more than 130,000 traders liquidated.
According to Coinglass data, the global cryptocurrency market recorded $606 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, including $542 million in long-position liquidations and $68.22 million in short-position liquidations. A total of 135,785 traders worldwide were liquidated in the same period, with the largest single liquidation order occurring on Binance’s BTCUSDT trading pair, valued at $12.0111 million.
5 hours ago
Bitcoin falls below $60,000
According to HTX market data, Bitcoin has fallen below $60,000, with a 4.3% drop in the past 24 hours.
5 hours ago
US Treasury Secretary: AI boom may boost productivity and help curb inflation.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent told CNBC in an interview that he hopes the Federal Reserve will remain "open-minded" about the inflation pattern after the reversal of Iran-related energy price hikes. Bessent noted that the U.S. could enter an economic environment marked by high GDP growth without a corresponding rise in traditional inflation. He cited that in the 1990s, Alan Greenspan foresaw that office modernization and the internet could drive non-inflationary growth, and allowed the economy to keep expanding. Bessent believes the U.S. has a strong chance of seeing a similar scenario again. When asked whether the Fed still needs to worry about potential inflation and whether interest rate cuts are possible this year or next, Bessent declined to comment. However, he argued that it is necessary to stay open-minded about the price or inflation impacts from the Iran conflict, and monitor inflation performance after those effects subside. Bessent also said an open mind is needed, as the AI boom could boost productivity and deliver disinflationary effects, helping inflation return to the Fed’s target level. He added that he believes Kevin Warsh will choose the optimal path that meets both the Fed’s inflation and growth mandates. Bessent also noted that Warsh previously took a hawkish stance on inflation.
5 hours ago
US stocks' intraday storage sector sees broad declines, with Western Digital and Seagate Technology both falling over 4%.
According to Bitget data, during U.S. stock trading hours, the storage sector saw broad declines: Western Digital (WDC) fell 4.47%, Seagate Technology (STX) dropped 4.17%, SanDisk (SNDK) declined 2.31%, and Micron Technology (MU) edged down 0.96%. Most optical communication concept stocks rose, with Corning (GLW) leading the gains at 9.75%, followed by Ciena (CIEN) up 3.24%, Coherent (COHR) rising 2.93%, Lumentum (LITE) gaining 2.61%, and Nokia (NOK) advancing 1.82%. Additionally, Marvell Technology (MRVL) fell 2.59% and Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) declined 1.90%.
5 hours ago
During intraday trading in U.S. stocks, crypto-related concept stocks fell broadly, with MSTR dropping more than 7%.
According to Bitget market data, the three major U.S. stock indexes rose broadly: the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.94%, the S&P 500 increased 0.60%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.63%. Crypto-related stocks fell across the board, with declines as follows: Strategy (MSTR) down 7.33%; Circle (CRCL) down 4.35%; Bitmine (BMNR) down 3.97%; Coinbase (COIN) down 3.73%; Robinhood (HOOD) down 3.70%; Gemini (GEMI) down 3.27%; Bullish (BLSH) down 3.25%; Sharplink (SBET) down 3.19%.
Moo Deng is back in the spotlight — but not for the heartwarming reasons as before.
Conservationist Siranudh Scott brought attention back on to the viral pet after calling the pygmy hippo’s living situation “sad” on social media, showing a photo of fecal matter in the habitat.
“The other day I saw pictures of the current condition of Moo Deng’s cage/habitat/pool,” Scott wrote in a translated X post on Feb. 15.
Fans have expressed concern over Moo Deng’s enclosure. Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
A conservationist called Moo Deng’s living conditions “sad,” sparking a conversation online. CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM/AFP via Getty Images “It’s really sad to see it like this. Even though he’s generated so much income, in the end, he’s just a business in the eyes of the people around him,”
Scott wrote a follow-up posting clarifying his words, saying that he was “not criticizing the Moo Deng caretakers or the animals themselves” and didn’t “want anyone to misunderstand.”
“I’m trying to convey that animals that are recognized worldwide and bring fame to the country should have a quality of life, space, a safe environment, and animal companions that are commensurate with the value they bring to us,” he explained.
But that didn’t stop fans from making their own assumptions and taking an interest in their beloved Moo Deng.
When fans online started to express their concern, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, released a statement addressing it.
“Khao Kheow Open Zoo would like to express its gratitude for all the concerns and suggestions from fans worldwide,” the zoo said in a statement, originally written in Thai, on Feb. 16.
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo said they appreciated the concerns for Moo Deng, but insisted she was being cared for. CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM/AFP via Getty Images
Moo Deng has attracted many tourists to the zoo. CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM/AFP via Getty Images They addressed the “online discussions regarding the cleanliness and living conditions” of the social media star.
The zoo insisted that the 1-year-old hippo is “being cared for according to international standards,” they shared in the translated statement.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo explained that “the images circulating on social media are likely animal feces excreted during the day, which is normal behavior for hippos who typically defecate in water or on land to ‘mark their territory.’ “
“It is confirmed that the keeper team cleans up and removes the animal feces every morning regularly, in accordance with international animal welfare standards (WAZA),” the zoo continued.
The zoo shared that Moo Deng’s muddy surroundings are intentional and it’s vital for pygmy hippos’ skin as they require high levels of moisture.
“Providing an environment with soil, mud, and aquatic plants is a biologically sound design to allow the animals to exhibit instinctive behaviors and maintain healthy skin, and is not the result of neglect,” the zoo said.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the happiness and health of our animals, and clarify that the enclosure conditions reflect their natural behavior. We are also moving forward with the ‘Hippo Village’ project to elevate animal welfare towards sustainability.”
The “Hippo Village” 4-acre habitat expansion is already in the works and will “accommodate six pygmy hippos and seven great hippos, providing them with spacious and ecologically suitable living conditions.”
The zoo noted that the long-term expansion project will be done with caution to ensure that the construction doesn’t disrupt the hippos or cause them any distress.
Kennedy Center tarpsAlgae problemHigh school sweetheartsReflecting PoolLee GreenwoodWorld Cup goalkeepers
Gen. Christopher Donahue, left, at a media event in Poland in 2022. (AP)
The Trump Golf Club in Dubai. (Photos by Katarina Premfors for The Post)
(Emma Kumer/The Post; iStock)
Preparations this week for the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. (Al Drago for The Post)
(The Post)
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrates with Darializa Avila Chevalier, who beat a House incumbent. (AP)
Price and Cincinati on the day they got engaged, June 3, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. (Amanda Price)
(iStock)
(Dustin Chambers for The Post)
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A man has been arrested after allegedly breaching the enclosure of Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo who shot to global social media stardom, at a Thai zoo.
Zoo officials confirmed the incident involving the internet sensation.
The Thai national reportedly entered the enclosure at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Tuesday while a keeper was absent and no other visitors were present, according to director Narongwit Chodchoy.
Security footage, widely circulated online, shows a man in a black beanie, sunglasses, green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while holding a tablet, seemingly recording.
The man remained inside for approximately one to two minutes before staff noticed him. Mr Chodchoy noted that the individual did not attempt to flee as the zoo contacted police. Moo Deng, born in 2024, quickly became a viral sensation thanks to a keeper sharing endearing images and videos online, drawing large crowds from Thailand and abroad.
The Thai national reportedly entered the enclosure at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Tuesday (One Planet/YouTube)Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, though the investigation continues, with the zoo indicating it will pursue all available legal avenues. The suspect, who has since been released on bail, was not identified. Mr Chodchoy confirmed that Moo Deng and Jona were safe, as the man did not attempt to touch them.
Despite the man not attempting to touch them, Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, appeared "slightly startled" by the encounter and are now under veterinary observation, the zoo stated on its official Facebook page. Officials urged visitors to "strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife." The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok, spans nearly 2,000 acres and houses over 2,000 animals.
Thailand Moo Deng (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)Moo Deng was born at the zoo in Chonburi. Only a month after her birth, her videos exploded on TikTok and social media quickly became obsessed.
Vulture wrote: “She has little teeny, tiny baby chompers, she’s perpetually wet, and her name means bouncy pork. It’s the ultimate recipe for internet cuteness.”
The Associated Press described Moo Deng as having “the kind of face that launches a thousand memes”.
Moo Deng in Thai is a type of meatball. It was reported that the name was chosen by fans through a social media poll, keeping in theme with her siblings: Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork). The zoo also has a common hippo named Kha Moo (stewed pork leg).
BANGKOK (AP) — A man has been arrested after he was caught climbing into an enclosure of Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo who became a social media sensation, zoo officials said.
The Thai man allegedly entered the enclosure on Tuesday evening while a keeper was away and no other visitors were around, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s Director Narongwit Chodchoy told The Associated Press.
Security footage widely shared online shows a man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother Jona while holding a tablet, apparently recording or taking photos.
The man remained inside the enclosure for a minute or two before staff noticed him, Narongwit said, adding that he did not attempt to flee while the zoo called for police.
Moo Deng soared to stardom shortly after she was born in 2024, largely thanks to a keeper who shared adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media. Since then, she has drawn large crowds from Thailand and abroad who want to witness her charm in person and shoot photos and videos of her cute moments for themselves.
Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, but investigation is still ongoing and Narongwit said the zoo intends to pursue all available legal action. Police did not identify the suspect.
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The man has now been released on bail, Narongwit said. He said Moo Deng and Jona were safe as the man did not try to touch them.
In a statement posted Tuesday on the zoo’s official Facebook page, it said both animals appeared slightly startled by the encounter and would be monitored closely by a veterinarian.
The zoo also urged visitors to “strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife.”
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Bangkok, sits on 800 hectares (almost 2,000 acres) of land and is home to more than 2,000 animals.
BANGKOK — A man has been arrested after he was caught climbing into an enclosure of Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo who became a social media sensation, zoo officials said.
The Thai man allegedly entered the enclosure on Tuesday evening while a keeper was away and no other visitors were around, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoy, told The Associated Press.
Security footage widely shared online shows a man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while holding a tablet, apparently recording or taking photos.
Moo Deng, a 1-year-old female pygmy hippo who became a viral internet sensation.Chanakarn Laosarakham / AFP - Getty ImagesThe man remained inside the enclosure for a minute or two before staff noticed him, Narongwit said, adding that he did not attempt to flee while the zoo called for police.
Moo Deng soared to stardom shortly after she was born in 2024, largely thanks to a keeper who shared adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media. Since then, she has drawn large crowds from Thailand and abroad who want to witness her charm in person and shoot photos and videos of her cute moments for themselves.
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Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, but the investigation is continuing and Narongwit said the zoo intends to pursue all available legal action. Police did not identify the suspect.
The man has now been released on bail, Narongwit said. He said Moo Deng and Jona were safe as the man did not try to touch them.
In a statement posted Tuesday on the zoo’s official Facebook page, it said both animals appeared slightly startled by the encounter and would be monitored closely by a veterinarian.
The zoo also urged visitors to “strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife.”
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok, sits on almost 2,000 acres of land and is home to more than 2,000 animals.
BANGKOK – A Thai man broke into the zoo enclosure of Moo Deng, an endangered baby pygmy hippo and internet sensation, police said on March 18, as the zoo filed a trespassing complaint.
Moo Deng – whose name translates as “bouncy pork” – has gained global attention, thanks to social media videos showing her adorable antics, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and boosting zoo ticket sales.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo, about a two-hour drive from the capital Bangkok, said a Thai national had unlawfully entered the animal’s pen on
March 17
.
Footage of the close encounter released by local media showed a man wearing a tank top, shorts and sandals inside the enclosure and recording Moo Deng with a tablet.
Zoo staff took about 10 minutes to remove the man from the pen, which also houses Moo Deng’s mother, local media reported.
“The individual entered a restricted animal area,” the zoo said in a statement.
It would “pursue legal action without exception” and added that Moo Deng was unharmed but “slightly startled” by the incident.
Police told AFP the intruder, a man who visited the zoo with his grandnephew, had wanted a closer look at the animal.
“We have initiated a trespassing case,” said local investigating officer Athiwat Siralertthakorn.
No arrest has been made so far, he added.
Under Thai law, trespassers face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to 20,000 baht (S$790) or both.
The pygmy hippo calf, which marked its first birthday in July, has inspired merchandise and memes since first going viral online in 2024.
Moo Deng has even featured in a beauty campaign by cosmetics giant Sephora, highlighting her glowing, peach-toned face. AFP
A man has been arrested after he was caught climbing into an enclosure of Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo who became a social media sensation, zoo officials said.
The Thai man allegedly entered the enclosure on Tuesday evening while a keeper was away and no other visitors were around, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s Director Narongwit Chodchoy told The Associated Press.
Security footage widely shared online shows a man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother Jona while holding a tablet, apparently recording or taking photos.
A man entered the enclosure of Moo Deng and was recording and her mother Jona on March 17, 2026. OnePlanet/YouTube
Security footage widely shared online shows a man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother Jona while holding a tablet. OnePlanet/YouTube The man remained inside the enclosure for a minute or two before staff noticed him, Narongwit said, adding that he did not attempt to flee while the zoo called for police.
Moo Deng soared to stardom shortly after she was born in 2024, largely thanks to a keeper who shared adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media.
Since then, she has drawn large crowds from Thailand and abroad who want to witness her charm in person and shoot photos and videos of her cute moments for themselves.
Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, but investigation is still ongoing and Narongwit said the zoo intends to pursue all available legal action.
Moo Deng soared to stardom shortly after she was born in 2024, largely thanks to a keeper who shared adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media. AP
The man remained inside the enclosure for a minute or two before staff noticed him, Narongwit said, adding that he did not attempt to flee while the zoo called for police. OnePlanet/YouTube Police did not identify the suspect.
The man has now been released on bail, Narongwit said.
He said Moo Deng and Jona were safe as the man did not try to touch them.
In a statement posted Tuesday on the zoo’s official Facebook page, it said both animals appeared slightly startled by the encounter and would be monitored closely by a veterinarian.
The zoo also urged visitors to “strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife.”
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok, sits on almost 2,000 acres of land and is home to more than 2,000 animals.
A man has been arrested after allegedly breaching the enclosure of Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo who shot to global social media stardom, at a Thai zoo.
Zoo officials confirmed the incident involving the internet sensation.
The Thai national reportedly entered the enclosure at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Tuesday while a keeper was absent and no other visitors were present, according to director Narongwit Chodchoy.
Security footage, widely circulated online, shows a man in a black beanie, sunglasses, green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while holding a tablet, seemingly recording.
The man remained inside for approximately one to two minutes before staff noticed him. Mr Chodchoy noted that the individual did not attempt to flee as the zoo contacted police. Moo Deng, born in 2024, quickly became a viral sensation thanks to a keeper sharing endearing images and videos online, drawing large crowds from Thailand and abroad.
The Thai national reportedly entered the enclosure at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Tuesday (One Planet/YouTube)Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, though the investigation continues, with the zoo indicating it will pursue all available legal avenues. The suspect, who has since been released on bail, was not identified. Mr Chodchoy confirmed that Moo Deng and Jona were safe, as the man did not attempt to touch them.
Despite the man not attempting to touch them, Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, appeared "slightly startled" by the encounter and are now under veterinary observation, the zoo stated on its official Facebook page. Officials urged visitors to "strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife." The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok, spans nearly 2,000 acres and houses over 2,000 animals.
Thailand Moo Deng (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)Moo Deng was born at the zoo in Chonburi. Only a month after her birth, her videos exploded on TikTok and social media quickly became obsessed.
Vulture wrote: “She has little teeny, tiny baby chompers, she’s perpetually wet, and her name means bouncy pork. It’s the ultimate recipe for internet cuteness.”
The Associated Press described Moo Deng as having “the kind of face that launches a thousand memes”.
Moo Deng in Thai is a type of meatball. It was reported that the name was chosen by fans through a social media poll, keeping in theme with her siblings: Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork). The zoo also has a common hippo named Kha Moo (stewed pork leg).
