Government intervenes to save 'Donald Trump' from sacrifice; placed under zoo custody

DHAKA: The 700-kilogram albino buffalo that achieved international internet stardom for its uncanny resemblance to US President Donald Trump has been officially spared from ritual sacrifice. Following a last-minute intervention by Bangladesh government authorities, the animal has been taken into official custody and relocated to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Dhaka.
The rare albino bull, affectionately dubbed "Donald Trump" by its original breeder’s younger brother due to its pinkish nose, cream-colored coat, and a distinctive flowing tuft of blond hair, became an overnight social media sensation. In the weeks leading up to the Eid al-Adha (Qurbani) festival, videos of the animal attracted tens of millions of views, turning its original farm in Narayanganj into a bustling tourist attraction.

While initial reports suggested the original owner petitioned for the animal's safety, official details reveal a much tighter eleventh-hour rescue. The buffalo's breeder, 38-year-old Ziauddin Mridha, had already sold the animal for the traditional Eid sacrifice to a buyer named Moniruz Zaman, who transported it to Keraniganj on the outskirts of Dhaka.
However, as public fascination intensified and massive crowds began compromising local security, the Bangladesh government stepped in. Under directives from the Home Ministry and the Department of Livestock Services, local police were dispatched just hours before the scheduled ritual slaughter to take the animal into state custody for permanent preservation.
"Policemen came and said the government decided to take the buffalo for preservation," the buyer, Moniruz Zaman, told reporters. "Since we do not want any conflict with the government, we handed it over to them."
Government officials confirmed that Zaman will be fully compensated with a refund or a replacement animal. Livestock department officials noted that the rare albino buffalo is still quite young and can safely be raised for several more years.

"Trump" has since been successfully transferred to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Dhaka. Zoo authorities have confirmed that the high-profile resident is healthy and settling in well, though the public will have to wait a brief period before seeing him in person.
"We have designated a shed for the albino buffalo and assigned a caregiver," Zoo Curator Atiqur Rahman announced. "He will be quarantined for two weeks."
Once the standard isolation period is complete, Bangladesh's most famous buffalo will be moved to a permanent public enclosure where visitors can safely view the viral internet star.