In a last-minute twist that has captured public attention across Bangladesh, a rare albino bull buffalo, widely nicknamed ‘Donald Trump’ for its striking golden blond coat that resembles the former U.S. president’s signature hairstyle, has been saved from ritual slaughter ahead of Eid al-Adha and will now live out its life under professional care at the South Asian nation’s national zoo.
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country home to 170 million people, prepares to mark Eid al-Adha — the global Islamic Festival of Sacrifice — on Thursday. For generations, the holiday has centered on the ritual slaughter of livestock, with meat distributed to family, friends, and low-income communities. This year, an estimated 12 million animals including goats, sheep, cattle and buffalo are expected to be sacrificed across the country, giving many disadvantaged households a rare opportunity to enjoy meat during the festive celebrations.
The 700-kilogram (1,500-pound) rare albino bull was originally purchased by a local trader ahead of the holiday, slated for slaughter like thousands of other livestock across the nation. But weeks before the event, the animal went viral on local social media platforms, drawing widespread attention for its unique pale complexion and distinct light-colored mane. Crowds of curious onlookers, social media content creators, and local families flocked to the small farm in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, just to catch a glimpse of the rare animal and snap photos with the unexpected viral star.
The buffalo’s original owner, 38-year-old Zia Uddin Mridha, told reporters that his brother first came up with the nickname ‘Trump’ because of the bull’s unusual flowing light hair. Mridha added that in the weeks leading up to Eid, his property saw a nonstop stream of visitors eager to see the rare buffalo.
Even with the growing attention, Mridha completed the sale of the bull ahead of the holiday, as is common for livestock owners ahead of Eid al-Adha. But just hours before the animal was set to be slaughtered, Bangladeshi authorities intervened to spare its life. Local police were dispatched to seize the buffalo from the new owner, following an official order from the national government to protect the rare animal.
‘Livestock department officials requested that we take possession of the buffalo because it is a rare genetic specimen,’ Mohammad Ruhul Quddus, officer-in-charge of Keraniganj Police Station, confirmed to Agence France-Presse. ‘They noted the albino buffalo is still young, and can be cared for and bred for research and conservation over the next several years.’
After being taken into government custody, the buffalo was transferred to Bangladesh’s National Zoo in Dhaka, where zoo officials have already prepared dedicated accommodations for the new resident. Atiqur Rahman, curator of the National Zoo, told reporters on Wednesday that the facility has set aside a private shed for the albino buffalo, assigned a full-time dedicated caregiver, and implemented a mandatory two-week quarantine to ensure the animal is healthy before it is displayed to the public.
‘We will make sure he gets the best possible care here,’ Rahman said. Since the news of the buffalo’s rescue broke, local media reports indicate that zoo attendance has already seen a small boost, with many locals saying they plan to visit to see the viral animal once it goes on public display.