According to a report by AFP News Agency on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, a buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its distinctive flowing blond hair, has been spared from slaughter and will instead be transferred to the national zoo, following a wave of public attention and government intervention.
The animal, a rare albino buffalo weighing around 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds), gained widespread popularity in the days leading up to Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice widely observed in the Muslim-majority South Asian nation of about 170 million people.
Eid al-Adha, which is marked this year on Thursday, traditionally involves the ritual slaughter of livestock such as goats, sheep, cows, and buffaloes. In Bangladesh alone, more than 12 million animals are expected to be sacrificed during the festival period, as families commemorate the religious observance and distribute meat among relatives, neighbours, and those in need.
The buffalo, however, stood out from the thousands of animals prepared for sacrifice due to its unusual appearance. Its light-coloured, flowing hair gave it a striking resemblance to the signature hairstyle associated with U.S. President Donald Trump, leading locals to nickname it after the American political figure. Images and videos of the animal quickly circulated on social media, attracting visitors from different parts of the country who came to take photographs and see the unusual creature in person.
According to the animal’s former owner, Zia Uddin Mridha, the buffalo’s name was given by his brother, who was struck by its “extraordinary hair.” Mridha said the animal drew continuous attention from curious crowds, including families, social media users, and children eager to witness the now-famous buffalo.
Although the buffalo had initially been sold ahead of Eid preparations, its growing popularity prompted concern from authorities and animal welfare officials. Following government intervention, police moved to ensure the animal was removed from the private buyer and placed under state care.
Mohammad Ruhul Quddus, officer-in-charge of Dhaka’s Keraniganj Police Station, confirmed that the livestock authorities requested the animal be handed over due to its rarity and young age. Officials argued that the buffalo could be better preserved and cared for rather than being slaughtered during the festival.
The animal has now been transferred to the National Zoo, where curator Atiqur Rahman said it will be properly looked after. He explained that a dedicated shelter has been prepared and a caregiver assigned to monitor its wellbeing. The buffalo is also expected to undergo a two-week quarantine period as part of standard procedure before being fully integrated into the facility.
