A rare albino buffalo nicknamed 'Donald Trump' has become an unexpected attraction at Bangladesh's national zoo, drawing large crowds since its arrival last week. The animal, noted for its golden mane and 1,500-pound build, was originally destined for slaughter during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha but was rescued by the government after a video of it went viral.
The buffalo first gained attention when a farmer observed its blond tuft of hair resembled the former US president's hairstyle. The viral video prompted many to visit the farm outside Dhaka where it lived. Citing security concerns, the government ordered its transfer to the capital's zoo, where it now enjoys special treatment, including being brushed and hosed down by a keeper.
Visitors have been braving sweltering heat to see the celebrity buffalo. On Tuesday, onlookers pressed against the enclosure fence, filming with their phones as parents lifted children for a better view. 'There is a resemblance to Donald Trump in its eyes, hairstyle, and skin colour,' said Mohammed Nasim, a student from Dhaka. 'And just as Donald Trump has a distinctive personality and lifestyle, this buffalo, after going viral, is now living a similar kind of life.'
However, the naming has sparked controversy. Local media reported that an initial sign identifying the exhibit as 'Donald Trump' has been removed, and the zoo curator was fired on Saturday, though no official reason was given. Some visitors found the naming disrespectful. 'Giving a farm animal the name of one of the world's most influential leaders was certainly the wrong thing to do,' said Dhaka resident Mohammad Joynal Adedin. 'It seems disrespectful.'
The buffalo had been sold for sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha, but Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered police to take it into custody, with authorities refunding the buyer. 'Since before Eid, I had been seeing posts on Facebook saying that 'Donald Trump' would be sacrificed,' said visitor Mohammad Habibur Rahman. 'Later, I heard that instead of being sacrificed, it had been placed in a zoo. So, I thought I would come and see 'Donald Trump' for myself.'
