An albino buffalo dubbed 'Donald Trump' has become an unlikely sensation at Bangladesh's national zoo, attracting large crowds since its arrival last week. The rare animal, noted for its golden mane and 1,500-pound build, was first spotted by a farmer who remarked on its resemblance to the US president's hairstyle.
The buffalo was originally destined for slaughter during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, but the government intervened citing security concerns. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered police to take the animal into custody, and it was transferred to the zoo in Dhaka. Visitors have been braving sweltering heat to see the celebrity buffalo, with many filming and photographing it.
On Tuesday, onlookers pressed against the enclosure fence as a zoo worker pampered the animal, brushing its hair and hosing it down. Student Mohammed Nasim remarked on the resemblance to Donald Trump in its eyes, hairstyle, and skin colour, adding that the buffalo now enjoys a life of attention and special treatment.
Local media reported that an initial sign identifying the exhibit as 'Donald Trump' has since been removed, and the zoo curator was fired on Saturday, though no official reason was provided. Some visitors found the naming disrespectful, including Dhaka resident Mohammad Joynal Adedin, who said giving a farm animal the name of a world leader was wrong.
Visitor Mohammad Habibur Rahman said he had seen posts on Facebook about the buffalo being sacrificed and came to the zoo to see it for himself. The buffalo had been sold ahead of Eid, but authorities refunded the buyer after ordering its transfer.
