A rare albino buffalo nicknamed "Donald Trump" was spared from being slaughtered for Eid al-Adha after becoming a viral internet sensation in Bangladesh [1, 2, 3].
The animal's survival highlights the influence of social media on local traditions and the ability of viral fame to alter the fate of livestock intended for religious sacrifice.
The buffalo was named for a blond tuft of hair that resembles the appearance of former U.S. President Donald Trump [1, 2, 3]. The animal, which weighs 1,500 pounds [4, 5], drew large crowds to a farm near Dhaka in late May [2, 6].
Reports on the buffalo's current location vary. Some sources said the animal remains on a farm near Dhaka [3], while others said it arrived at the national zoo last week [2]. The animal is now on display to the public [1, 2, 3].
The buffalo's owner is 38 years old [6]. The animal first gained significant attention around May 21, 2026, as photos and videos of its unique coloring spread online [6]. By May 28, 2026, reports confirmed the animal would be spared from the traditional Eid sacrifice [2].
The decision to protect the buffalo followed a surge in public interest that transformed the animal from a sacrificial offering into a local celebrity [1, 3]. This shift in status led authorities to ensure the buffalo's safety through its transfer to the zoo [1, 2].
“The buffalo was named for a blond tuft of hair that resembles the appearance of former U.S. President Donald Trump.”
The intersection of global political iconography and local religious practice created a unique cultural moment in Bangladesh. By rebranding a sacrificial animal as a viral celebrity, the owner and the public shifted the animal's value from a religious commodity to a zoological curiosity, effectively utilizing digital visibility to ensure its survival.
