Bangladesh home minister intervenes to save ‘Donald Trump’ buffalo from slaughter

The albino buffalo had shot to international fame due to its resemblance with US president

The albino buffalo known as “Donald Trump” -- which quickly became a social media sensation at home and abroad -- will not be sacrificed this Eid-ul-Azha.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday that the animal had been taken back from its buyer in Keraniganj, with the purchase price refunded, amid concerns that its slaughter could spark disorder.

For now, he said, the buffalo would remain at the farm.

But its fate changed again later in the day when National Zoo Director Rafiqul Islam Talukder said approval had been given to keep the buffalo at the zoo, and that arrangements were under way to transfer it there.

The buffalo, a rare albino breed purchased from Rajshahi City cattle market, was raised for about 10 months at Rabea Agro Farm in Narayanganj.

It broke the internet after being named “Donald Trump” due to its appearance, with fair skin and blond tufts of hair resembling the hairstyle and facial features of the flamboyant US president.