A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed “Donald Trump” due to its distinctive blond tuft of hair, has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention. The nearly 700-kilogram buffalo that was already destined for ritual slaughter was transferred to the national zoo in Dhaka under official protection.
The unusual buffalo has become an internet sensation in recent weeks after videos and pictures of the animal went viral on social media. And hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Narayanganj, near Dhaka, for a look at the rare animal that had a blond fringe that resembled Donald Trump's hair and trademark hairstyle.
According to officials, the buffalo was rescued after Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered authorities to halt the sacrifice process. He ordered that the buyer be refunded and that officials send the buffalo to the national zoo in Dhaka for long-term care and protection.
The ministry official said the decision was made because of growing public interest and security concerns surrounding the animal. “At the last moment, we decided to spare the buffalo from sacrifice for the sake of security reasons and the unusual level of public interest,” he said.
JUST IN: An albino buffalo named “Donald Trump” was just spared from sacrifice in Bangladesh, with gov't officials intervening to pardon him last minute. pic.twitter.com/5QiOUq8fJG
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) May 27, 2026
The buffalo’s owner, farmer Ziauddin Mridha, told us that the name “Donald Trump” was first suggested by his younger brother, who saw that the animal’s blond fringe resembled Trump’s hairstyle. The 4-year-old buffalo was purchased around 10 months ago and became popular due to its appearance and calm temperament.
Mridha stated that the buffalo was more gentle than other buffaloes. The few visitors to the farm could tell that not only was the animal rare but that it had a peaceful nature as well, which made it so popular online and with locals.
Albino buffaloes are extremely rare in Bangladesh, where most water buffaloes have black or dark grey skin. Their colour is caused by albinism, a genetic condition that causes less melanin to be produced. Animals with albinism will usually have pale skin, light hair, and pinkish features, which makes them visually distinctive.
When news of the buffalo being saved and taken to the zoo was released, social media erupted with emotional, humorous, and political reactions. Many users praised the Bangladeshi government for saving the animal’s life, while others flooded the internet with memes comparing the buffalo to Donald Trump.
One user wrote: “The only good news I have seen all day. Let the big fella retire.” Another joked, “‘Trump’ is now in the local zoo,” while a different user sarcastically commented: “Bangladesh PM should be given Peace Prize for saving Trump.”
The meme creators also jumped in too, with one viral post in response to the debate saying, “The Buffalo (Trump) looks better than Donald Trump.” Others referred to it as “the most powerful buffalo in Bangladesh” and pointed out how social media and public sentiment could have influenced the government’s decision.
The story has now become one of the most talked-about Eid-related incidents in Bangladesh this year, blending internet culture, politics, humour, and animal welfare into a single viral phenomenon. And now that the buffalo is safe in Dhaka’s national zoo, many online users say the animal has already become a celebrity beyond Bangladesh.
