A unique albino buffalo in Bangladesh, noted for its striking resemblance to former U.S. President Donald Trump due to its distinctive blond tuft of hair, has been spared from ritual sacrifice during Eid al-Adha celebrations. The buffalo’s viral fame on social media prompted authorities to intervene and relocate the animal to the national zoo in Dhaka.

Public Interest and Government Intervention

The buffalo, weighing nearly 700 kilograms, was owned by Zia Uddin Mridha in Narayanganj, near Dhaka. It attracted significant attention both online and offline, drawing crowds eager to see its pale coat and light-colored forelock. The animal’s likeness to Trump earned it the nickname from Mridha’s brother.

On May 28, 2026, Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo to be spared from sacrifice. The buyer was refunded, and the buffalo was transferred to the Mirpur National Zoo for public display and conservation, according to Reuters.

Cultural and Religious Context

The buffalo had initially been sold for traditional sacrifice as part of the Eid al-Adha festivities, a significant event for Muslims worldwide. This religious observance commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son and typically involves the sacrifice of livestock in many communities.

However, the buffalo’s growing popularity and the security concerns it raised led to the government’s last-minute decision to intervene. Visitors flocked to the zoo on May 28 to see the animal, which has become a local curiosity, as reported by EuroNews.

This incident highlights the intersection of cultural traditions and modern social media influence, demonstrating how viral fame can impact traditional practices.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.