In Bangladesh, a rare albino buffalo nicknamed 'Donald Trump' for its distinctive blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha ritual slaughter following a last-minute government intervention, according to a home ministry official.
Intervention by Authorities
The nearly 700kg (1,543lb) animal had already been sold for sacrifice when authorities stepped in, citing security concerns after a surge of public interest before Thursday's festival. The minister of home affairs, Salahuddin Ahmed, ordered that the buffalo be spared, the buyer refunded, and the animal transferred to the national zoo in Dhaka. A ministry official stated: 'At the last moment, the decision was taken to spare the buffalo from sacrifice due to security concerns and the unusual level of public interest.'
Public Fascination
What began as a routine Eid purchase quickly turned into nationwide curiosity after videos of the buffalo went viral. Crowds gathered at the farm, with visitors travelling from far afield to see its blond fringe and calm demeanour. The owner of the farm, Ziauddin Mridha, explained that his younger brother had given the buffalo the Trump nickname after noticing its resemblance to the US president.
Mridha described the animal as unusually gentle, requiring careful upkeep including frequent feeding and regular baths. Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark, making this animal stand out during the peak Eid livestock season. It was likely the nickname that ultimately saved its life.
