Albino buffalo nicknamed Donald Trump draws crowds in Bangladesh ahead of Eidul Azha

DHAKA: An albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed Donald Trump because of its flowing blond hair, has become a social media attraction as visitors gather to see the animal before it is sold for sacrifice ahead of Eidul Azha.

The four-year-old buffalo is kept at a farm in Narayanganj, on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka, where owner Zia Uddin Mridha said people have been arriving throughout May to photograph the animal. According to Mridha, the 700-kilogramme bull was given its name by his younger brother because its unusual hair resembled the signature hairstyle of US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to AFP at his farm, Mridha said:

My younger brother picked this name because of the buffalo’s extraordinary hair.

He also described the care given to the animal, as caretakers poured water over its head and brushed its blond hair between its curved horns.

Mridha said:

The only luxury he enjoys is bathing four times a day.

He added that the resemblance to the US president ended with the hairstyle.

Rare animal draws online and local attention

Officials from the livestock department said albino buffaloes are extremely rare and appear white or pink because they lack melanin production. The animal’s unusual appearance has helped it gain attention online, while children, social media users and other curious onlookers have continued visiting the farm.

Mridha said the steady flow of visitors had put the buffalo under stress and caused it to lose weight, prompting restrictions on public access. Even so, children were still peering through the gates in hopes of catching a glimpse.

Among the visitors was 30-year-old businessman Faisal Ahmed, who came with five friends and relatives to see the buffalo and take photographs. He told AFP:

Truly, the features are similar between the buffalo and President Donald Trump.

Ahmed added:

My nephew took a one-hour boat journey just to come and see ‘Donald Trump’.

Eidul Azha preparations under way

Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority South Asian country with a population of 170 million, is preparing for Eidul Azha later this month. More than 12 million livestock, including goats, sheep, cows and buffaloes, are expected to be sacrificed during the holiday, when many poorer families get a rare opportunity to eat meat.

The Trump-nicknamed buffalo is not the only animal at the farm with a distinctive name. Other buffaloes there include Tufan, described as aggressive; Fat Boy, noted for its large size; and Sweet Boy, known for its gentle temperament. Another golden-haired bull has been named after Brazilian footballer Neymar because of its bleached-blond hairstyle.

Mridha, who said he has cared for the buffalo for the past year, spoke about the prospect of parting with the animal during the religious festival. He said:

I am going to miss Donald Trump, but that is the core spirit of Eidul Azha — making a sacrifice.