Rare albino buffalo’s sudden viral fame forces authorities to cancel Eid sacrifice and relocate it to national protection facility amid security concerns.
A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, widely known online as the “Donald Trump” buffalo due to its distinctive blond tuft of hair, has been spared from Eidul Azha sacrifice after authorities intervened at the eleventh hour, citing escalating public attention and potential security risks.
The animal, weighing nearly 700 kilograms, had already been purchased for ritual slaughter ahead of the Islamic festival. However, its unusual appearance quickly transformed it into a viral sensation, drawing large crowds and intense social media attention that officials said became difficult to manage.
According to authorities, the situation escalated when videos and images of the buffalo spread rapidly online, prompting visitors from different regions to travel to the farm just to see the animal in person. The growing crowds raised concerns over crowd control and possible law-and-order disruptions during the busy Eid livestock season.
Following directives from Bangladesh’s Home Ministry, the transaction for the buffalo was reversed and the buyer was refunded. Officials then ordered the relocation of the animal to the Bangladesh National Zoo, where it would be kept under protection and away from public unrest risks.
The farm owner, Ziauddin Mridha, said the nickname originated within his family after his younger brother noticed a resemblance between the buffalo’s blond fringe and the hairstyle associated with US President Donald Trump. He added that the animal is calm and requires special care due to its rare condition.
Albino buffaloes are extremely uncommon in Bangladesh, making the animal a standout attraction during Eid season livestock markets. Its unusual coloration and gentle behavior contributed heavily to its online fame, turning it into a national talking point within days.
Officials said the decision to halt the sacrifice was made in the interest of public safety, as gatherings around the animal had grown unexpectedly large during a period already marked by high movement and crowded markets.
Eidul Azha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed by Muslims worldwide through the ritual slaughter of animals, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to obey divine command. In this case, however, public fascination reshaped the fate of one animal entirely.
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