Viral fame spares ‘Donald Trump’ buffalo from Eid sacrifice in Bangladesh

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A sacrificial albino buffalo named after US President Donald Trump which recently went viral, is pictured at an agro farm ahead of Eidul Azha, in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, May 20, 2026. - Reuters
A sacrificial albino buffalo named after US President Donald Trump which recently went viral, is pictured at an agro farm ahead of Eidul Azha, in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, May 20, 2026. - Reuters

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

The nearly 700-kg 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 travelling from far afield to see its blond ​fringe and calm ​demeanour.

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 the nickname that likely saved ​its life.

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