A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its distinctive blond tuft, has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute intervention by the government following a wave of viral attention.
The nearly 700-kilogram (1,543-pound) buffalo had already been sold for ritual slaughter ahead of Thursday’s Eid festival when authorities stepped in, citing security concerns and growing public interest surrounding the animal.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered that the buffalo be spared, the buyer refunded, and the animal 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 Home Ministry official said.
What initially began as a routine Eid livestock purchase quickly turned into a nationwide attraction after videos of the albino buffalo spread widely online. Large crowds gathered at the farm, with visitors traveling long distances to see the animal’s blond fringe and calm demeanor.
Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said the buffalo earned its nickname from his younger brother, who noticed a resemblance to US President Donald Trump.
Mridha also described the animal as unusually gentle and said it requires careful maintenance, including frequent feeding and regular baths.
Albino buffaloes are considered rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark-colored, making the animal stand out during the country’s busy Eid livestock season.
Officials suggested that the buffalo’s viral fame, and especially its unusual nickname, likely played a major role in saving it from slaughter.
More than 12 million livestock, including cows, goats, sheep and buffaloes, are expected to be sacrificed across Bangladesh during Eid al-Adha, a holiday when many poorer families traditionally get a rare opportunity to eat meat.