An extremely rare albino buffalo, affectionately nicknamed after former U.S. President Donald Trump due to its distinctive blond tuft and robust 1,500-pound frame, has become an unlikely celebrity at Bangladesh's national zoo in Dhaka. The animal has been drawing large crowds since its arrival last week, with visitors braving sweltering temperatures to catch a glimpse of the unique creature.
From Farm to Fame
The buffalo first captured public attention when a farmer noticed that its pale coat and blond tuft of hair bore a striking resemblance to Trump's signature hairstyle. A video of the horned mammal quickly went viral on social media, prompting hundreds of people to flock to the farm on the outskirts of Dhaka where it was being kept.
Originally destined for slaughter during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, the animal's fate took a dramatic turn when the government intervened, citing security concerns. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered police to take the buffalo into custody, and authorities refunded the buyer. The buffalo was then transferred to the capital's zoo, where it now resides in a special enclosure.
Celebrity Treatment
On Tuesday, onlookers pressed against the fence of the enclosure, filming with their phones as parents hoisted children onto their shoulders for a better view. A zoo worker was seen pampering the animal, brushing its hair and hosing it down with water to keep it cool, much to the delight of fans.
"There is a resemblance to Donald Trump in its eyes, hairstyle, and skin color," remarked Mohammed Nasim, a student from Dhaka. "And just as Donald Trump has a distinctive personality and lifestyle, this buffalo, after going viral, is now living a similar kind of life, enjoying a lot of attention and special treatment."
Controversy Over Naming
Local media reported that an initial sign identifying the exhibit as "Donald Trump" has since been removed, and the zoo curator was fired on Saturday, though no official reason was provided. Some visitors found the naming disrespectful.
"Giving a farm animal the name of one of the world's most influential leaders was certainly the wrong thing to do," said Dhaka resident Mohammad Joynal Adedin, who visited the zoo regardless. "It seems disrespectful. I think the farmer who did this made a poor decision."
Public Fascination
Despite the controversy, the buffalo continues to draw visitors from across the country. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, a visitor from Jashore, explained his motivation for making the trip: "Since before Eid, I had been seeing posts on Facebook saying that 'Donald Trump' would be sacrificed. Later, I heard that instead of being sacrificed, it had been placed in a zoo. So, I thought I would come to the zoo and see 'Donald Trump' for myself."
The buffalo's story has captured the imagination of many, turning an ordinary farm animal into a symbol of resilience and celebrity in Bangladesh.
