Viral Albino Buffalo Saved From Sacrifice in Bangladesh

A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh with flowing strawberry-blond hair was just hours away from being sacrificed when the government stepped in to save its life.

The 700-kilo bull had become an unlikely internet star, drawing crowds of curious visitors who wanted to snap photos with the unique animal. Its former owner, Zia Uddin Mridha, said his brother named the buffalo "Trump" because of its extraordinary blond cowlick that resembles the signature hairstyle of the US president.

The buffalo was originally slated for slaughter on Thursday as part of Eid al-Adha, an Islamic holiday known as the "feast of the sacrifice." In Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people, more than 12 million livestock are typically sacrificed during this celebration, providing many poorer families with a rare opportunity to eat meat.

But this particular buffalo caught the attention of far more than just local buyers. Social media fans, onlookers, and children created a constant stream of visitors eager to see the rare albino animal in person.

After the buffalo went viral online, government officials intervened. Police were dispatched to retrieve the animal from its new owner after the livestock department requested its protection due to its rarity.

Atiqur Rahman, curator of the National Zoo in Dhaka, confirmed the buffalo would be well cared for in its new home. The zoo has designated a special shed for the animal and assigned it a dedicated caregiver, and it will undergo a two-week quarantine period.

Mohammad Ruhul Quddus, officer-in-charge of Keraniganj Police Station, explained that officials emphasized the buffalo's youth and potential for a longer life. The livestock department successfully argued that such a rare animal deserved protection rather than sacrifice.

Sunny's Take

Sometimes the most unexpected connections spark the most heartwarming rescues. A buffalo's unusual appearance turned it into an internet celebrity, which in turn mobilized enough attention to save its life. What started as a novelty became a reminder that when people come together online for a positive cause, real lives can be changed.

The albino buffalo now has years ahead to live comfortably at Bangladesh's national zoo, where visitors can continue to appreciate its rare beauty.