Alert: 'Donald Trump' Buffalo Spared Slaughter, Relocated to Zoo

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - An albino buffalo in Bangladesh nicknamed ‘Donald Trump’ has been spared slaughter after government intervention at the last minute. The viral, blonde-haired animal has been moved from a farm to a shelter, with reports indicating it has been taken to Dhaka’s national zoo. The nearly 700kg buffalo was previously sold for slaughter during Eid al-Adha celebrations. However, its surge in online popularity prompted the Bangladeshi government to take special measures to ‘rescue’ it. Bangladesh’s Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered local officials to halt the slaughter, refund the buyer’s money, and relocate the animal to a safer location. The unique buffalo from Narayanganj, near Dhaka, gained sudden fame after videos of its cream-coloured head hair were widely compared to US President Donald Trump’s signature hairstyle. ‘My younger brother named the buffalo ’Donald Trump’ because the hair on the front of its head resembles Donald Trump,’ said the buffalo’s owner, Ziauddin Mridha. ‘Despite its striking appearance, it has a very calm temperament,’ he added, noting that the animal is docile despite its looks. The buffalo’s popularity led many locals to visit the farm for selfies. Videos and clips of the animal spread widely online, attracting government attention. On Wednesday, crowds flocked to the Jijira area hoping to see the viral buffalo in person, but upon arrival, authorities had already relocated it. Local media footage showed the buffalo being led with a rope before being loaded onto a pickup truck. Early-morning visitors witnessed the relocation process. Meanwhile, buyer Moniruzzaman said the government has assured compensation for the animal. ‘We have been told the buffalo’s price will be refunded or a replacement of equal value will be provided for sacrifice,’ he said. Albino buffaloes are extremely rare in Bangladesh. The genetic condition reduces pigmentation in the skin and fur, resulting in pale or light colouration.