A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft has been rescued from ritual slaughter during Eid al-Adha following a last-minute government intervention over security concerns.
The nearly 700-kilogram animal, which had already been sold for sacrifice ahead of Thursday’s festival, was transferred to the national zoo in Dhaka after authorities stepped in.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo spared, the buyer refunded, and the animal moved to safety. A ministry official said the decision was taken “at the last moment” due to security concerns and the unusual level of public interest.
Videos of the buffalo’s striking appearance and calm demeanour went viral on social media, drawing large crowds to the farm in Narayanganj near Dhaka. Owner Ziauddin Mridha said his younger brother gave the animal the Trump nickname after noticing its resemblance to the US president.
Albino buffaloes are uncommon in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark-coloured, making this one stand out during the peak livestock trading season for Eid.
Mridha described the buffalo as unusually gentle, requiring frequent feeding and regular baths to maintain its condition.
The animal is now expected to be put on public display at the zoo.
