NEW DELHI: Bangladesh has saved the viral “Trump buffalo” from Bakrid sacrifice and moved it to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur, after authorities decided to move the buffalo to the zoo to ensure its long-term welfare and proper management amid mounting public attention. Zoo authorities say the animal is expected to become a flagship attraction, but have introduced strict measures to prevent stress and overcrowding around the enclosure.
The Livestock Department told TOI it will continue coordinating with the zoo on long‑term care, including potential quarantine reviews and disease‑surveillance protocols, aligned with plans to develop it as a major public attraction.
The move, confirmed by the Livestock Department’s Farm Branch, comes after inter‑departmental reviews on animal health, biosecurity and public‑safety considerations. Speaking to TOI on Thursday, Md Shariful Haque, Deputy Director (Farm Branch) of Bangladesh’s Department of Livestock Services, said, “The decision was taken considering the animal’s exceptional physical characteristics and the need to ensure its long‑term welfare and proper management.”
He added that the buffalo is now under special supervision at the zoo facility, where veterinary care, nutrition and biosecurity measures are being maintained regularly.
The 700-kg cream-coloured buffalo, named “Trump” for its unusual blond hair and pale skin tone that visitors said resembled former US President Donald Trump’s hairstyle, drew huge crowds and widespread social media attention in the run-up to Eid al-Adha. Videos and photographs of the animal circulated widely online, turning its Narayanganj farm into an overnight tourist spot.
Zoo curator Atiqur Rahman described the buffalo as an exceptionally rare variety, noting it is a rare albino variety with a distinct pinkish hue that the zoo has never housed before.
The buffalo had been purchased by Mohammad Shoron, a resident of Old Dhaka’s Jinjira (Rasulpur) area, for traditional qurbani sacrifice, who was compensated by the authorities.
Haque said the animal’s welfare remains the highest priority and that authorities have already taken special measures to “avoid overcrowding and stress on the animal.” These include controlled visitor movement, designated viewing distances, continuous veterinary monitoring, enhanced security arrangements and proper feeding and housing management.
The buffalo was brought into the zoo late on Wednesday wearing a deep-blue jacket, with people spraying colours and scattering genda flowers over it.
On Thursday, millions of Muslims worldwide celebrated Bakrid (Eid al-Adha), the festival of sacrifice. In Bangladesh alone, the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry’s projected over 10 million animals for sacrifice, and reported a surplus of 20 lakh plus livestock meant for sacrifice.
