A rare albino water buffalo nicknamed "Donald Trump" was transferred to the national zoo in Dhaka to protect it from ritual sacrifice [1, 2].
The animal's survival highlights the intersection of local tradition and global pop culture, as its physical appearance transformed it from livestock into a public attraction.
Farmers and officials said the buffalo earned its name because of a tuft of golden hair that resembled the former U.S. president [2, 3]. The animal is approximately three years old [4] and weighs 700 kilograms, or 1,500 pounds [5].
The buffalo arrived at the Bangladesh Zoo in the week preceding May 22, 2024 [2, 3]. Its arrival coincided with the period leading up to the Eid al-Adha festival, a time when livestock are typically selected for ritual sacrifice. Due to the animal's rarity and its likeness to the politician, officials said they decided to spare the buffalo and move it to the zoo [1, 2, 3].
Since its arrival, the buffalo has become a sensation, drawing large crowds of visitors to the national zoo [1, 2]. The animal's unique white coat and golden locks have made it a focal point for tourists and locals alike. Officials said the move ensured the animal would be protected from the festival's ritual slaughter [2, 3].
The story gained international attention through reports published on May 22, 2024 [2]. The buffalo remains a resident of the Dhaka facility, where it continues to attract public interest due to its unusual coloring and the origin of its nickname [1, 2].
“The buffalo was named after U.S. President Donald Trump because of a tuft of golden hair.”
The decision to preserve the animal reflects a shift where perceived rarity and cultural curiosity can override traditional religious practices. By relocating the buffalo to a state-run zoo, Bangladeshi officials converted a potential sacrifice into a permanent tourist asset, leveraging the global recognition of a political figure's image to ensure the animal's safety.
