Albino buffalo nicknamed 'Donald Trump' becomes sensation at Bangladesh's national zoo for its blond hair
Albino buffalo with a distinctive blond tuft draws crowds and controversy in Bangladesh
A rare albino buffalo whose pale coat and unruly blond forelock have sparked comparisons to President Donald Trump has become a viral sensation, drawing thousands of visitors to Bangladesh’s national zoo in Dhaka.
The animal first caught public attention when a local farmer outside Dhaka posted a video of the unusual beast on social media. The footage, which highlighted the buffalo’s light‑colored hide and the hair that sweeps across its forehead, spread rapidly, with many commentators noting a resemblance to the former U.S. president’s signature hairstyle.
The buffalo had originally been sold for sacrifice during Eid al‑Adha, the Muslim “Feast of Sacrifice,” a major holiday when many families purchase livestock for ritual slaughter. Officials intervened, however, and ordered the animal transferred to the capital’s zoo to ensure its safety. Since arriving at the facility, the animal has been drawing long queues of curious onlookers, many of whom arrive camera‑ready.
Reactions among visitors have been mixed. “There is a resemblance to Donald Trump in its eyes, hairstyle, and skin color,” said Mohammed Nasim, a student in 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, enjoying a lot of attention and special treatment.”
Other patrons expressed disapproval of the nickname. “Giving a farm animal the name of one of the world’s most influential leaders was certainly the wrong thing to do,” said Mohammad Joynal Adedin, a local resident. “It seems disrespectful. I think the farmer who did this made a poor decision.”
The exhibit initially displayed a sign labeling the animal “Donald Trump,” but the sign was later taken down amid the growing debate. Zoo officials have not publicly explained why the sign was removed, nor have they disclosed the reason for the subsequent firing of the zoo’s curator.
The episode highlights how a single unusual animal can become a cultural flashpoint, blending humor, politics, and public sentiment into a spectacle that continues to attract both supporters and critics to the Dhaka zoo.
