Highlights:
- Rare albino buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice
- Animal nicknamed “Donald Trump” for blond tuft
- Government intervened over security concerns
- Buffalo moved to national zoo in Dhaka
- Viral videos drew large crowds to farm
A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its blond tuft, has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention.
A Home Ministry official confirmed the decision on Wednesday (27).
The nearly 700-kilogram (1,543-pound) buffalo had already been sold for ritual slaughter before authorities stepped in. Officials cited security concerns following a surge in public interest ahead of Thursday’s (28) Eid festival.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered that the buffalo be spared. Authorities also arranged for the buyer to receive a refund. The animal was later transferred to the national zoo in Dhaka.
"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 ministry official said.
The buffalo had become a nationwide attraction after videos of the animal spread widely on social media.
What started as a normal Eid livestock purchase quickly turned into a major public curiosity. Large crowds gathered at the farm to see the buffalo in person. Visitors reportedly traveled from different areas to look at its blond fringe and calm behavior.
The buffalo’s owner, Ziauddin Mridha, explained how the animal received its unusual nickname.
According to Mridha, his younger brother noticed a resemblance and named the buffalo “Donald Trump.”
Mridha also described the buffalo as unusually gentle. He said the animal requires special care, including regular feeding and frequent baths.
Albino buffaloes are considered extremely rare in Bangladesh. Most cattle in the country are dark-colored, making the animal stand out during the busy Eid livestock season.
The buffalo’s rare appearance and viral nickname appear to have played a major role in saving it from slaughter.
The animal is now expected to remain at the national zoo in Dhaka after authorities moved it there following the government’s intervention.
The case attracted attention across Bangladesh during preparations for Eid al-Adha, a festival during which many Muslims traditionally sacrifice livestock as part of religious observance.
Officials said the growing public attention surrounding the buffalo created concerns about crowd management and security at the farm.
As videos and photographs of the animal continued circulating online, interest in the buffalo increased rapidly in the days leading up to the festival.
The buffalo’s blond tuft and calm nature became the main attraction for visitors gathering at the farm.
Though albino buffaloes are uncommon in Bangladesh, officials suggested that the animal’s nickname and viral fame likely contributed most to the decision to spare its life.
