Albino buffalo nicknamed 'Donald Trump' saved from Eid sacrifice by Bangladesh government, moved to national zoo

Viral sensation

A nearly 700-kilogram albino buffalo in Bangladesh became an internet sensation in recent weeks due to its unusual blond tuft, which many compared to the hairstyle of U.S. President Donald Trump. The animal was purchased about ten months ago by farmer Ziauddin Mridha at a cattle market, and his younger brother gave it the nickname. Videos and photos of the buffalo went viral, drawing crowds to the farm in Narayanganj near Dhaka, with visitors traveling from far away to see its calm demeanor and distinctive fringe.

“I bought him ten months ago at a cattle market. It was my younger brother who named him Donald Trump because of his coat.”

Planned sacrifice

Mridha had intended to sacrifice the buffalo during Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice, observed this year from May 26 to 30. The owner acknowledged he would miss the animal but stated that the sacrifice was the essence of the holiday. Across Bangladesh, authorities estimated that around 13 million cows, goats, sheep, and buffaloes would be slaughtered during this year's festivities.

“I will miss Donald Trump, but the sacrifice is the essence of Eid al-Adha.”

Government intervention

Just hours before the planned slaughter, the Bangladeshi government stepped in. Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo to be spared, the buyer refunded, and the animal relocated to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Dhaka. A home ministry official confirmed the decision was made at the last moment due to security concerns and the unusual level of public interest. The livestock department described the buffalo as a rare animal that could be raised for several more years.

“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.”

A rare specimen

Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced on Facebook that the buffalo had been moved to the National Zoo in Mirpur, Dhaka, for conservation. He noted that albino buffaloes are extremely rare worldwide, with statistics suggesting only one in 10,000 buffaloes may be born with such a characteristic. The minister described the animal as an important asset for research, conservation, and biodiversity protection. Zoo curator Atiqur Rahman confirmed a shelter had been prepared and a dedicated keeper assigned, with the buffalo to be placed in quarantine for two weeks.

“These animals are extremely rare worldwide. Statistics suggest that only one in 10,000 buffaloes may be born with this type of albino characteristic.”

New life at the zoo

The buffalo is now delighting visitors at the national zoo, with one zoo-goer praying to Allah and marveling at the animal's beauty and its resemblance to the U.S. president, noting similarities not only in the hair but also in its presentation. The government also compensated the buyer at fair market value and provided an alternative cow for sacrifice to ensure no financial loss.