Bangladesh spares albino ‘Donald Trump’ buffalo from Eid sacrifice

Rare albino buffalo had already been sold as a holiday offering, but authorities stepped into save the animal, citing ‘unusual level of public interest’ in presidential hair-do

DHAKA, Bangladesh — A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft, has been spared from becoming an Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention, a Home Ministry official said on Wednesday.

The nearly 700-kilogram (1,543 pound) animal had already been sold for ritual slaughter when authorities stepped in, citing security concerns, after a surge of public interest ahead of Thursday’s festival.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo be spared, the buyer refunded, and the animal moved to the national zoo in Dhaka.

“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,” a ministry official said.

What began as a routine Eid purchase quickly turned into a nationwide curiosity after videos went viral.

Crowds gathered at the farm, with visitors traveling from far afield to see its blond fringe and calm demeanor.

Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said the name came from his younger brother, who spotted the resemblance.

Mridha added that the animal is unusually gentle and needs careful upkeep, including frequent feeding and regular baths.

Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark, making it a standout during the peak Eid livestock season — though it was likely the nickname that saved its life.

More than 12 million livestock, including goats, sheep, cows, and buffaloes, are expected to be sacrificed during the holiday, when many poorer families get a rare chance to feast on meat.