A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed the “Donald Trump” buffalo because of its blond tuft, was spared from being sacrificed during Eid al‑Adha after drawing public attention and triggering a last‑minute government intervention.
The animal, weighing nearly 700 kilograms, had already been sold for ritual slaughter, which is part of the religious observance during Eid.
However, the situation changed after the buffalo’s unusual appearance began attracting widespread attention.
‘Donald Trump’ Buffalo Draws Crowds After Going Viral Ahead of Eid
The buffalo was raised on a farm in Narayanganj district, near the capital Dhaka. Its cream-coloured body, pinkish features and distinctive blond hair falling across its forehead led to the comparison to former US President Donald Trump, earning it the nickname that would eventually make it famous.
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According to farm owner Ziauddin Mridha, the name was coined by his younger brother after noticing the resemblance. Mridha said the animal is calm in nature, adding that albino buffaloes are typically gentle unless provoked.
As images and videos of the buffalo spread on social media, the buffalo became a viral sensation, with visitors arriving at the farm every day, many traveling long distances just to see the animal and take photos or videos.
The stream of visitors turned the farm into an attraction ahead of Eid, when animals are typically bought and sold for sacrifice across Bangladesh.”
Mridha said the buffalo required special care, including being bathed several times a day and fed regularly to keep it in good condition.
Despite the attention, the animal had already been handed over to a buyer for Eid sacrifice, in line with normal practice.
Authorities Intervene to Save Viral ‘Donald Trump’ Buffalo Before Eid Sacrifice
As crowds continued to gather and interest intensified, authorities became concerned about safety and crowd control.
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Despite the ‘Donald Trump’ buffalo having already been sold, the Bangladesh Home Ministry stepped in just hours before it was due to be slaughtered.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered that the animal be spared, the buyer refunded, and the buffalo taken into state custody.
A government official said the decision was made “at the last moment” due to security concerns and the unusually high level of public interest in the animal.
Following the intervention, the buffalo was moved to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Dhaka, where it will now be cared for under supervision instead of being sacrificed.
The zoo authorities have arranged an enclosure and a caregiver for the animal, which is expected to remain a point of interest for visitors.
