DHAKA — A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft has been spared from ritual sacrifice during Eid al-Adha following a last-minute government intervention. Authorities cited security concerns and an unusual level of public interest as reasons for the decision.
The nearly 700kg (1,543lb) buffalo had already been sold for slaughter when the minister of home affairs, Salahuddin Ahmed, ordered it spared, the buyer refunded, and the animal relocated to the national zoo in Dhaka. A ministry official said, “At the last moment, the decision was taken to spare the buffalo from sacrifice due to security concerns and the unusual level of public interest.”
Videos of the buffalo went viral online, triggering nationwide curiosity and drawing crowds to the farm in Narayanganj, near Dhaka. Visitors traveled from distant areas to see the animal’s distinctive blond tuft and calm demeanor. Crowds continued to gather at the farm in the days leading up to the holiday.
Ziauddin Mridha, the owner of the farm, said his younger brother gave the buffalo its nickname after noticing its resemblance to former U.S. President Donald Trump. “It was my younger brother who gave it this name because of its hair,” Mridha told the Indian news agency ANI. He added, “It is just a symbolic name, and we gave it out of affection and fondness.”
Mridha also described the buffalo as unusually gentle and noted it requires constant care, including regular baths and frequent feeding. Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark-colored. The animal’s unique appearance and temperament contributed to its sudden fame. “It went viral, and many people came to see it,” Mridha said.
The buffalo will now be moved to the national zoo in Dhaka, where it will be housed permanently. The buyer who had purchased the animal for ritual sacrifice will receive a full refund, according to government officials.