Dhaka (Rajeev Sharma): A rare white buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” has been taken under government protection in Bangladesh after officials stopped plans for its Eid sacrifice and transferred it to the national zoo for preservation.
The unusual animal had gained widespread attention because of its pale skin, pink nose and long golden hair that many locals compared to the hairstyle of former US President Donald Trump. Videos and photographs of the buffalo had gone viral on social media in recent days, attracting large crowds eager to catch a glimpse of it.
Authorities intervened shortly before Eid al-Adha celebrations, when the buffalo was expected to be sacrificed along with millions of other animals across the country. Police officials, acting on instructions from higher authorities, arrived at the owner’s residence and escorted the animal away for conservation purposes.
The owner, Moniruz Zaman, said he had purchased the buffalo only a few days earlier and was informed that the government wanted to preserve it due to its rarity. He added that officials assured him compensation or another animal would be provided in return.
Livestock experts reportedly advised against sacrificing the buffalo, noting that albino buffaloes are extremely uncommon in Bangladesh and could be valuable for breeding and research purposes. Officials believe the animal still has several healthy years ahead.
The Dhaka National Zoo has already arranged a separate enclosure and dedicated caretakers for the buffalo. Zoo authorities stated that the animal would receive special medical care and nutrition as part of preservation efforts.
The buffalo was previously raised at a private farm where it had become a popular attraction. According to its former caretaker, the animal required extra attention and was treated differently from other livestock because of its sensitive skin and rare condition.
Bangladesh observes Eid al-Adha with large-scale animal sacrifices every year, with millions of cows, goats, sheep and buffaloes traded before the festival. However, the decision to save the “Trump buffalo” has sparked curiosity and discussion nationwide, with many calling it one of the most unusual Eid stories of the year.
