A nearly 700-kilogram albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its blond hair, was spared from ritual sacrifice during Eid al-Adha after government intervention on May 27, hours before the slaughter was to occur [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The buffalo had been sold to a buyer for sacrifice, but authorities recovered the animal following a surge in public interest and concerns over its rare appearance and security [1, 2, 3, 5]. Crowds traveled from across the country to visit the farm and take photos, turning the buffalo into a viral social media sensation [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said the peculiar nickname came from his younger brother, who noticed the buffalo’s pale tuft resembled the distinctive hairstyle of former US president Donald Trump [1, 2, 3, 5]. Mridha was compensated 1.5 million taka (about $12,300) when the government bought back the animal and refunded the sacrifice buyer [4].
The albino buffalo is a rare sight in Bangladesh, where most cattle have dark skin [1, 5]. Mohammad Ruhul Quddus, a police officer, said the livestock department requested authorities reclaim the buffalo because it was young and could be raised a few more years [2].
Government officials quarantined the animal at the national zoo in Dhaka after the intervention. Atiqur Rahman, curator of the zoo, said, “We have designated a shed for the albino buffalo and assigned a caregiver. He will be quarantined for two weeks.” [2]
Some reports say the buffalo was returned to its original farm after the government’s action, while others confirm it remains in quarantine at the zoo [2, 3, 5]. More than 12 million livestock such as goats, sheep, cows, and buffaloes are typically sacrificed across Bangladesh during Eid al-Adha each year [2, 3].
The quarantine and care at the national zoo will continue for two weeks, following which officials are expected to decide the buffalo’s longer-term future.
