"Trump buffalo" escapes sacrifice in Bangladesh and goes to zoo

A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed "Donald Trump" for his blond pompadour, was spared the Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention, an Interior Ministry official said on Wednesday (27).

The animal, weighing almost 700 kg, had already been sold for ritual slaughter when authorities intervened, citing safety concerns following increased public interest ahead of Thursday's (28) festival.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered that the buffalo be spared, the buyer be reimbursed and the animal be transferred to the national zoo in Dhaka.

"At the eleventh hour, the decision was made to spare the buffalo from sacrifice due to safety concerns and the unusual level of public interest," a ministry official said.

What started as a routine Eid purchase quickly turned into a national curiosity after videos went viral. Crowds gathered at the farm, with visitors coming from far and wide to see his blond topknot and calm demeanor.

The farm's owner, Ziauddin Mridha, said the name came from his younger brother, who noticed the similarity.

Mridha added that the animal is unusually docile and needs special care, including frequent feeding and regular bathing.

Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark, making them a standout during the Eid season, although it was the nickname that probably saved their life.

Source: CNN