Just hours before a rare albino buffalo was set to be sacrificed during Eid celebrations in Bangladesh, government officials stepped in with an unusual order that completely changed the animal’s fate. The buffalo, popularly known as “Donald Trump” because of its long blond hair resembling the hairstyle of former US President Donald Trump, has now been moved to the national zoo in Dhaka where it will receive special care and protection.
The unusual-looking buffalo had already become something of a celebrity long before authorities intervened. Videos and photographs of the massive animal were circulating widely on social media, drawing attention from across Bangladesh. People visiting livestock markets ahead of Eid often stopped to stare at the cream-colored buffalo with its pinkish nose and flowing golden hair. Many clicked selfies while others simply watched in disbelief because such animals are rarely seen in the country.
The 700-kilogram buffalo was reportedly purchased only a few days ago by Moniruz Zaman, a resident of Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka. Like millions of other families preparing for Eid-ul-Adha, he intended to sacrifice the animal as part of the religious tradition observed during the festival. But before that could happen, police officers arrived at his property carrying instructions from higher authorities.
According to Zaman, officials informed him that the government had decided to preserve the buffalo because of its rare characteristics. Rather than creating conflict, he chose to cooperate and hand over the animal peacefully. Authorities reportedly assured him that he would either receive financial compensation or another animal in exchange.
The decision immediately became a major talking point online. Some people praised the move, saying rare animals should be protected instead of sacrificed. Others questioned why the government became involved in what was originally a private religious purchase. Yet even those debating the decision admitted the buffalo was unlike anything usually seen in Bangladesh’s livestock markets.
The story behind the buffalo’s name has added even more curiosity around the animal. Its former owner, agro-farm operator Zia Uddin Mridha, said the nickname “Donald Trump” came naturally because of the buffalo’s distinctive blond hair. Visitors to the farm reportedly started making comparisons with the former American president almost immediately after seeing the animal. The name stuck, and soon the buffalo became locally famous.
Mridha said the animal had always received extraordinary care at the farm. Unlike ordinary livestock, this buffalo reportedly enjoyed four baths every day along with multiple meals and constant grooming. Workers at the farm treated it more like a prized attraction than a regular farm animal. Its unusual appearance made it one of the most visited attractions before Eid trading began.
Officials at the national zoo have now promised to continue that level of care. Zoo curator Atiqur Rahman said a separate enclosure and dedicated caregiver had already been arranged for the buffalo. Authorities believe the animal is still young and could live for several more years, making preservation a better option than sacrifice.
Albino buffaloes are considered extremely rare in Bangladesh, where most buffaloes have dark skin and black coats. Experts say genetic conditions causing albinism in such animals are uncommon, which is why the buffalo quickly drew national attention. During Eid season, when millions of animals are brought to markets across the country, finding one with such striking features is highly unusual.
Every year, Eid-ul-Adha sees millions of goats, cows, sheep, and buffaloes sacrificed across Bangladesh as part of the religious tradition. For many poorer families, the festival also becomes one of the few occasions in the year when they are able to eat meat. Livestock markets become crowded days before Eid, with traders bringing animals from different regions hoping to secure high prices.
But amid thousands of ordinary animals this year, one blond-haired buffalo managed to become the center of nationwide attention.
Now safely housed inside the national zoo in Dhaka, “Donald Trump” is expected to attract even more visitors curious to see the animal whose unusual looks saved it from sacrifice. What began as a simple Eid purchase has unexpectedly turned into one of Bangladesh’s most talked-about stories of the season.