A rare 700-kg albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed Donald Trump for its distinctive strawberry-blond tuft of hair, has been spared from ritual slaughter during the Eid al-Adha festival following last-minute government intervention. The animal had already been sold for sacrifice when authorities stepped in, citing security concerns caused by an unusual surge of public interest.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo be spared and moved to the national zoo in Dhaka, with the buyer being refunded. The decision came after the animal achieved viral fame, as videos of its blond fringe and calm demeanor drew crowds from far afield to the farm.
Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha stated that the nickname was coined by his younger brother who spotted the resemblance. Mridha added that the animal is unusually gentle and requires careful upkeep, including regular baths and frequent feeding.
Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark. This rarity, combined with its celebrity status and the public's fascination, ultimately saved the animal from slaughter during the peak livestock season.