Viral Trump Lookalike Albino Buffalo Spared From Eid Sacrifice, Moved To National Zoo

A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, popularly nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its flowing blond-like mane, has been spared from being sacrificed during Eid al-Adha and will instead be relocated to the country’s National Zoo.

The animal had initially been earmarked for sacrifice ahead of the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, which was observed on Thursday in Bangladesh, where millions of livestock are traditionally slaughtered during the celebration.

The 700-kilogramme buffalo attracted widespread attention on social media due to its unusual appearance, with crowds reportedly gathering to take photographs and view the animal.

National Zoo curator Atiqur Rahman confirmed that arrangements had been made to receive the buffalo.

“We have designated a shed for the albino buffalo and assigned a caregiver,” Rahman said, adding that the animal would undergo a two-week quarantine upon arrival at the zoo.

The buffalo, which became a local attraction, was originally owned by 38-year-old farmer Zia Uddin Mridha, who said it earned the nickname “Trump” because of its distinctive hair.

Mridha said social media users, families, and curious visitors frequently came to see the animal before he eventually sold it ahead of the Eid celebrations.

Authorities later intervened after the government directed that the buffalo should not be slaughtered due to its rarity.

Mohammad Ruhul Quddus, officer-in-charge of Dhaka’s Keraniganj Police Station, said the Department of Livestock Services requested police assistance to secure the animal.

“The livestock department requested us to take the buffalo from the owner as it is a rare animal,” Quddus said.

He added that officials considered the albino buffalo relatively young and capable of being preserved and cared for over a longer period.

Bangladesh is expected to witness the sacrifice of more than 12 million animals, including cows, goats, sheep, and buffaloes, during the Eid celebrations.