An albino buffalo in Bangladesh, which gained viral fame for its striking resemblance to United States President Donald Trump, was spared from slaughter during the Eid al-Adha festival on Wednesday, May 27. The animal, jokingly nicknamed 'Donald Trump' after its photos circulated widely online, had been scheduled for sacrifice as part of the religious observance.
Owner Sold Buffalo Before Viral Fame
The buffalo's owner, 38-year-old Zia Uddin Mridha, had sold the animal before it became a tourist attraction in the weeks leading up to Eid. However, federal authorities in Bangladesh intervened at the eleventh hour to prevent its slaughter, citing security concerns and the unusual level of public interest surrounding the buffalo, according to a ministry official.
Buffalo to Be Homed at National Zoo
The four-year-old albino buffalo is now being relocated to the country's national zoo, where it will live out its days. Albino buffaloes are extremely rare in Bangladesh, and the animal's internet stardom ultimately saved its life.
Mridha's younger brother was the first to notice the resemblance between their cattle and the US president. However, Mridha insisted that the buffalo's temperament differs greatly from Trump's. 'It is very calm in nature. Albino buffaloes are generally peaceful and do not become aggressive unless provoked,' he explained to NDTV.
