'Donald Trump' buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice, relocated to Dhaka zoo
13 oC
13 oC
Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft of hair has been dramatically rescued from ritual slaughter during Eid al-Adha, following a last-minute government intervention prompted by its massive online popularity.
The nearly 700-kilogram (about 1,540-pound) animal, known for its pale pinkish-white skin and flowing strawberry-blond forelock that many compared to U.S. President Donald Trump’s signature hairstyle, had already been sold to a buyer for sacrifice ahead of the Islamic festival. However, its viral fame led to an outpouring of public affection and concern, prompting authorities to step in.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo spared, with the buyer refunded. The animal was taken into official custody and transferred to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur, Dhaka, where it will now live under dedicated care. Zoo officials have prepared a special enclosure, and the buffalo is expected to undergo a two-week quarantine period before becoming a public attraction.
The buffalo was raised at a farm in Narayanganj district near Dhaka by owner Zia Uddin Mridha, 38. His brother originally gave it the nickname due to the unusual hair. As videos and photos spread rapidly on social media in mid-May 2026, large crowds flocked to the farm to see the calm, unusually colored animal, turning it into a local sensation and even drawing international attention.
Authorities cited security concerns and the overwhelming public interest as key reasons for the intervention. The move has been widely celebrated online, with many praising the decision as a blend of animal welfare and cultural appreciation for the rare albino buffalo.
According to local reports, the buffalo is safely settled at the zoo, where it is expected to draw visitors for years to come rather than becoming part of Eid celebrations. Its story has sparked broader conversations about rare animals, viral fame, and compassion amid traditional practices.
This unusual rescue highlights how social media can sometimes influence real-world outcomes, even in matters of longstanding cultural and religious significance. (ILKHA)
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