A unique albino buffalo in Bangladesh, popularly known as “Donald Trump” due to its distinctive blond tuft of hair, has been spared from the traditional Eidul Azha sacrifice following government intervention amid widespread public interest.
Weighing nearly 700 kilograms, the buffalo had already been purchased for ritual slaughter ahead of the Islamic festival. However, authorities stepped in at the last moment, citing concerns over security and crowd control due to the animal’s growing popularity.
Under directives from Bangladesh’s Home Ministry, the buyer was reimbursed, and the buffalo was transferred to the national zoo in Dhaka for its protection.
In recent days, videos and photos of the albino buffalo circulated rapidly on social media, attracting large crowds to the farm where it was kept. Visitors traveled from far-flung areas to see the rare animal, whose pale coat and blond fringe starkly contrasted with the predominantly dark-colored cattle common in Bangladesh.
The buffalo’s unusual appearance led many online users to liken it to former US President Donald Trump, a comparison that quickly went viral and earned the animal its nickname.
A Home Ministry official explained that the decision to halt the sacrifice was made shortly before Eid celebrations commenced, driven by concerns over the increasing number of visitors gathering around the buffalo. Authorities feared that the heightened attention could lead to law and order challenges during one of the busiest times of the year, when livestock markets across the country are bustling with buyers and sellers preparing for Eidul Azha.
Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha revealed that the nickname originated from his younger brother, who noticed the resemblance between the buffalo’s blond hair and the American president’s hairstyle. Mridha described the animal as calm and unusually gentle, requiring special care including frequent feeding, regular bathing, and close monitoring due to its rare condition.
Albino buffaloes are extremely rare in Bangladesh, making this animal a significant attraction during the Eid livestock season. Its relocation to Dhaka zoo has elevated its status to that of a national celebrity, with many citizens applauding the government’s choice to preserve the buffalo rather than allow it to be sacrificed.
Eidul Azha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed by Muslims worldwide through the ritual slaughter of animals such as cows, goats, and buffaloes. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
