A rare albino buffalo, affectionately dubbed “Donald Trump” due to its distinctive blond tuft of hair, has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most unexpected pre-Eid al-Adha attractions. The four-year-old animal, weighing close to 700 kilograms, is being raised at a farm in Narayanganj, near the capital city of Dhaka, and has captivated both local crowds and social media users.
The buffalo’s unique cream-colored skin, pink nose, and light golden hair quickly drew comparisons to the former US President's hairstyle, prompting owner Ziauddin Mridha’s younger brother to bestow the now-famous moniker. Videos and photos of the animal rapidly spread across platforms like Facebook and TikTok, turning it into an internet sensation.
A Star Before Sacrifice
Despite its newfound celebrity status, the 'Donald Trump' buffalo is destined for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha, a central tenet of the Qurbani ritual. Mridha emphasized that the religious significance of the sacrifice outweighs the animal's viral fame. Visitors, however, have been flocking to the farm daily, eager to catch a glimpse, take selfies, and create content for their vlogs, further amplifying the buzz.
The buffalo’s popularity has not come without its challenges. Caretakers reported that the constant attention has disrupted the animal’s routine, leading to a decrease in its usual food intake, despite being bathed multiple times a day and receiving special care.
Eid Market Economics
This phenomenon also shines a light on the vibrant economics of Eid al-Adha in Bangladesh. Annually, millions of animals are traded across the country in the lead-up to the festival, establishing one of South Asia’s largest seasonal livestock markets. Farmers often showcase unusually large or rare-looking animals, like the albino buffalo, to attract buyers willing to pay premium prices.
The 'Donald Trump' buffalo was reportedly sold based on live weight at approximately 550 Bangladeshi taka per kilogram, pushing its total value into several lakh taka, highlighting the significant business aspect of this cultural and religious event.