A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed 'Donald Trump' due to its distinctive blond tuft, has been saved from ritual slaughter for Eid al-Adha following a last-minute government intervention, a Home Ministry official confirmed on Wednesday.
The nearly 700-kilogram animal had already been sold for sacrifice when authorities stepped in, prompted by security concerns over a surge of public interest. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo to be spared, its buyer refunded, and the animal relocated to the national zoo in Dhaka.
Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said the nickname came from his younger brother, who noticed a resemblance. Videos of the buffalo went viral, drawing crowds to the farm and turning the routine Eid purchase into a nationwide curiosity.
Albino buffaloes are extremely rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark. The animal's unusual appearance and calm demeanour made it a standout during the peak livestock season, with its nickname likely playing a key role in saving its life.
In a separate development, Muslims in Mali face soaring sheep prices ahead of Eid al-Adha due to a blockade by al-Qaida-linked armed groups. The blockade of Bamako has put the central ritual of slaughtering an animal and sharing its meat with the poor beyond reach for many families.
