Not dyed or edited: Why this Bangladesh buffalo looks like ‘Donald Trump’

Dhaka: In Bangladesh’s Narayanganj district, an albino buffalo with striking blond hair has become an unexpected internet sensation after being nicknamed “Donald Trump” by its owner’s family.

The animal has drawn large crowds of visitors and social media users who are travelling to see it before it is sacrificed during Eid al-Adha.

The 700-kilogram buffalo lives on a farm just outside Dhaka, where its owner, Zia Uddin Mridha, says it has become a local attraction. The nickname reportedly came from its distinctive hair, which resembles a blonde hairstyle, prompting comparisons with the US president.

Why the buffalo looks unusual: the rare condition behind its viral fame

The buffalo’s unusual appearance is believed to be caused by albinism, a rare genetic condition that results in little or no production of melanin — the pigment responsible for skin, hair and eye colour. Because of this lack of pigment, the buffalo has pale white or pink skin along with light-coloured hair that appears blond under sunlight. Livestock officials in Bangladesh said albino buffaloes are extremely rare, which is one of the main reasons the animal has attracted widespread attention online. Its distinctive flowing hair, combined with regular grooming and bathing by its owner, further added to comparisons with former US President Donald Trump’s signature hairstyle.

The animal has been frequently bathed and groomed, with visitors often seen taking photographs and videos. Its owner said the buffalo receives multiple baths a day, though the growing attention has reportedly caused it some stress and weight loss, leading to restrictions on public viewing.

Officials from Bangladesh’s livestock department have noted that albino buffaloes are extremely rare, with their white or pink appearance caused by a lack of melanin. This unusual trait, combined with its appearance, has contributed to its viral popularity.

The buffalo has gained attention during preparations for Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice, which is widely observed in Bangladesh. Millions of animals are typically sacrificed during the festival, providing meat for families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

Visitors, including families and social media users, have been travelling long distances to see the animal. Some have compared its appearance to the US political figure it is named after, further fuelling its online fame.

Despite its viral status, the buffalo is still part of a traditional livestock farm where several other animals also carry nicknames. However, none have attracted the same level of attention as the “Donald Trump” buffalo, which continues to draw curiosity ahead of the festival period.

The owner has said he expects to miss the animal but described its fate as part of the religious tradition of Eid al-Adha, which centres on sacrifice and communal sharing of meat.
(With AFP inputs)