What do a baby hippo, a Kansas zoo, and cryptocurrency have in common? Together, they're writing a new chapter in conservation.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park, one of the most interactive wildlife parks in the country, has teamed up with The Mars Project, a community-run crypto initiative that donates directly to fund animal care and conservation. In just 100 days, The Mars Project has contributed more than $28,000 to Tanganyika's mission, with every donation fully transparent and traceable on the Solana blockchain.
The partnership funds daily animal care, enrichment, and educational programs that inspire thousands of guests each year to connect with wildlife. From feeding giraffes to meeting lemurs and kangaroos up close, every experience at Tanganyika helps guests understand what it means to care for animals and the planet.
The collaboration began after the viral story of Mars, a baby pygmy hippo was born at Tanganyika in June 2025. A crypto community in the U.S. raised nearly $3,000 to officially name him, sparking a movement that merged conservation and blockchain transparency.
The project was launched on Pump.fun, a transparent social token platform. Shortly after launch the project's original developer stepped away, and the community voted for a Community Takeover (CTO) to ensure long-term integrity. The project now operates under U.S. Army veteran Jack, and Entrepreneurs Corey and John, dedicated to keeping the mission alive.
"Our goal is simple: to show that crypto can be a force for good," said Corey, part of The Mars Project's CTO team. "Every donation happens directly, with no overhead and full transparency. Tanganyika is our only focus, and we're proud to bridge the gap between crypto and conservation."
For Tanganyika Wildlife Park, this partnership isn't just about funding. It's about innovation, community, and shared purpose.
Learn more at www.TWpark.com or www.TheMarsProject.us.
LynnLee Schmidt
lschmidt@twpark.com
805-886-9941
TikTok: @tanganyikawildlifepark
Facebook: @tanganyikawildlifepark
Note: Our X (Twitter) account has changed since this press release was originally published. The former project lead deleted the original social media accounts when he left the project in February 2026. Our current X account is @MarsTheHippo.