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Published : 10 Jun 2026, 04:01 PM
The pink-hued albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump”, who made international headlines, has become the subject of social media claims that it has fallen into poor health since being moved to the National Zoo.
Some posts have alleged that the animal, once raised with great care in a private farm, is now suffering from neglect and inadequate food at the zoo.
Zoo authorities, however, have dismissed the claims, saying the buffalo is under constant observation and is receiving proper care, food and other necessary support.
The rare albino buffalo was raised for 10 months at Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj after being purchased from the Rajshahi City Cattle Market. Because of its hairstyle and facial features, which many said resembled those of US President Donald Trump, the animal was given the nickname.
The buffalo was taken to the buyer’s home in Keraniganj, Dhaka, two days before Eid-ul-Azha for sacrifice. It was given a grand send-off, draped in a blue velvet cloak, showered with flower petals, surrounded by coloured smoke and led along a red carpet.
After photos and videos of the animal spread widely across Bangladesh, several international media outlets published reports on it. On the eve of Eid, the buffalo was spared from sacrifice following the intervention of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and was later transferred to the National Zoo.
During the Eid holidays, the buffalo, housed in Block L-07 of the zoo, attracted crowds that at times surpassed the number of people gathering around the cages of the lions and tigers.
Zoo officials say a comfortable environment has been arranged for the animal, including an enclosure measuring about 40 feet wide and 300 feet long and surrounded by trees and plants.
A visit to the zoo on Tuesday showed the buffalo getting a bath. Two pedestal fans were operating on either side, food was placed in front of it, and a mosquito net had been installed for protection.
Zoo worker Azgar Ali told bdnews24.com: “The buffalo is doing well now. It had some problems a few days earlier due to hot weather, but then fans have been installed. Someone is with it at all times.”
National Zoo Director Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukder said most of the discussions on social media regarding the buffalo’s deteriorating health condition were “fake”.
“In line with zoo regulations, the buffalo is monitored regularly. All is well with it and the animal is healthy.”
He said the buffalo’s low melanin levels make it more sensitive to heat and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
“Because its sweat glands are comparatively less effective, it has a compromised ability to release body heat. That is why we are trying to keep it in a cooler environment.
“It is bathed several times a day, two fans provide continuous airflow, and insulation has been installed to prevent heat from the roof to penetrate to the enclosure directly.”
Regarding its diet, Rafiqul said: “Its feeding schedule has been prepared in consultation with nutrition experts. At present, it consumes around 25 kilograms of fresh grass, five kilograms of hay and five kilograms of granular feed daily. It drinks water as needed.”
Explaining why the buffalo is being kept at the zoo, the director said: “A zoo is not only a place for exhibition; it is also a centre for education and research. Like other animals, this white buffalo has been housed here.”
“We plan to conduct research on its genetic characteristics while ensuring its conservation. We want to see whether white buffaloes possess any genetic traits that could contribute to buffalo development programmes or production systems in Bangladesh. Research will also examine whether the animal has any economic significance.”
The intense public interest seen when the buffalo first arrived has ebbed now, although visitors continue to come to see it.
Zayed Ansari, who was visiting the zoo with his child on Tuesday, said: “I came once before to see Trump. Today I didn’t have enough time. The zoo is so large that it’s difficult to cover everything.”
Enayet Qaiser of Mirpur said: “The zoo is close to our home, so I can bring my daughter whenever she asks. Since Eid, every time she has come here, she has insisted on seeing this buffalo at least once.”
