‘Donald Trump’ Buffalo Spared from Eid Slaughter, Heading to National Zoo

The albino buffalo named "Donald Trump"—which became a global social media sensation for its uncanny resemblance to the US President—will not be sacrificed this Eid-ul-Azha, officials confirmed.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced on Wednesday that the government intervened to prevent the slaughter out of concern that it could trigger public disorder. The animal has been retrieved from its buyer in Keraniganj, and the purchase price has been fully refunded.

"For now, the buffalo will remain at the farm," the Home Minister said earlier in the day.

However, the animal's fortune took another turn a few hours later. National Zoo Director Rafiqul Islam Talukder revealed that official approval has been granted to house the buffalo permanently at the zoo. Arrangements are currently underway for its transfer.

The rare albino buffalo was originally purchased from a cattle market in Rajshahi City and raised for 10 months at Rabea Agro Farm in Narayanganj. It went viral online after being named after the flamboyant US leader due to its light skin tone and distinct tufts of blond hair.