$PENGU
Pudgy Penguins was launched in July 2021 as an Ethereum-based NFT collection featuring 8,888 unique penguin-themed NFTs, quickly gaining popularity and high market value, with rare pieces selling for up to 400 ETH. The project initially faced a community crisis known as "The Great Blizzard" at the end of 2021, involving broken promises, community distrust, and allegations of misappropriation of funds. In April 2022, entrepreneur Luca Netz acquired Pudgy Penguins, leading to a successful revival with new leadership, renewed community engagement, brand partnerships, and expansion into physical merchandise and media. In December 2024, Pudgy Penguins expanded into the meme coin space by launching PENGU, a Solana-based token distributed through a $1.5 billion airdrop, marking a strategic pivot to integrate NFTs with the meme coin ecosystem.
