Bangladesh's 'Trump' buffalo saved from slaughter after viral fame
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed 'Trump' for its resemblance to the former U.S. president, was saved from slaughter.
- The animal gained national attention through social media, prompting the government to intervene.
- The buffalo has been moved to the national zoo in Dhaka.
A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, which gained notoriety for its striking resemblance to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has been dramatically saved from slaughter. The animal, weighing approximately 700 kg, was already sold as a ritual sacrifice for the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival.
However, a surge of public interest, fueled by viral social media videos, changed its fate. People flocked to see the white-coated buffalo, with its light-colored hair prompting comparisons to Trump. This widespread attention prompted an urgent government intervention.
The farm owner explained that his younger brother jokingly named it after discovering its resemblance to the U.S. president.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs ordered an immediate halt to the slaughter, citing safety concerns and the significant public interest. The buyer was also instructed to refund the purchase price. The buffalo, now safe from its intended fate, has been relocated to the national zoo in Dhaka.
The farm owner mentioned that the buffalo's gentle nature also contributed to its popularity. In Bangladesh, where most livestock are dark-colored, albino animals are exceptionally rare. The unique appearance and the 'Trump' nickname are credited with capturing the public's imagination and ultimately saving the animal's life.
It has a very gentle nature, so I fed it often and bathed it, taking good care of it.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.