Video: Rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” spared from Eid sacrifice after government steps in
Abdullateef Fowewe
A rare albino buffalo weighing nearly 700 kg and nicknamed “Donald Trump” for a distinctive blond hair tuft was spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last‑minute government intervention, a Home Ministry official said Wednesday.
The animal had already been sold for ritual slaughter when videos of the pale, unusually gentle buffalo went viral, drawing crowds to the farm and creating security concerns ahead of Thursday’s festival.
Public interest surged after clips showing the buffalo’s blond fringe and calm demeanor circulated widely on social media, prompting authorities to act.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buyer refunded and directed that the buffalo be relocated to Dhaka’s national zoo for public display and special care, the ministry official said.
The decision aimed to prevent potential crowding and disturbances at the farm and to ensure the animal’s well-being, given its rarity.
Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said his younger brother coined the nickname after noting a resemblance to the U.S. president’s hair.
Mridha described the animal as unusually docile and in need of careful upkeep, including frequent feeding and regular baths.
Albino buffaloes are extremely uncommon in Bangladesh, where most cattle have dark coats, making the pale animal a standout during the peak Eid livestock season.
The mix of animal‑welfare concern and humorous comparisons to the U.S. president drove extensive social media reaction, amplifying coverage well beyond local news outlets.
Officials at the national zoo said the buffalo will receive special veterinary attention and will be displayed to the public under controlled conditions.
