Trump’s Buffalo Doppelgänger Gets a Last-Minute Pardon When Officials Panic Over Mobs Flocking to See Its ‘Distinctive’ Blond Fringe
What's in a name.
The rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” in Bangladesh just got a last-minute pardon from the Eid al-Adha sacrifice after officials panicked over mobs flocking to see its famous blond fringe. The 700kg animal, sold for ritual slaughter, was spared when the government stepped in, citing security concerns over the unprecedented public frenzy. Instead of ending up as part of the festival, the buffalo is now at Dhaka’s national zoo.
This whole saga started when the buffalo’s owner, Ziauddin Mridha, noticed its uncanny resemblance to the U.S. president. According to The Guardian, his younger brother gave it the nickname, and suddenly, what was supposed to be a routine livestock sale turned into a full-blown social media phenomenon.
Videos of the gentle giant with its distinctive blond tuft went viral, drawing crowds from across the country. People weren’t just there to admire its rarity; they wanted selfies with the unlikely celebrity lookalike.
The public interest only grew from there
The home ministry official who confirmed the pardon said the decision came “at the last moment” due to the “unusual level of public interest.” It’s not every day a buffalo becomes a national sensation, but this one’s calm demeanor and striking looks made it an instant hit.
Mridha described the animal as unusually gentle, requiring extra care like frequent baths and feedings. Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark, but it was the Trump comparison that really sealed its fate.
Now, the buffalo is getting the VIP treatment. Atiqur Rahman, the curator of the National Zoo, said they’ve already set up a dedicated shed and assigned a caregiver. After its quarantine, the buffalo will settle into its new home, where it’ll likely continue to attract visitors.
There was another reason for the move. According to the South China Morning Post, Mohammad Ruhul Quddus, the officer-in-charge of Dhaka’s Keraniganj Police Station, said the livestock department requested the transfer because the buffalo is still young and could be raised for years.
This isn’t the first time an animal has become an internet sensation for its resemblance to Trump
Back in 2016, a golden pheasant named Little Red stole the show with its Trump-like feather pouf. The bird, living at Hangzhou Safari Park in China, became an overnight celebrity after a local reporter pointed out the uncanny similarity. Its keeper even predicted a tourism boost, saying, “I expect more tourists to come to our zoo to see the pheasant now that he has been in the news.”
Little Red wasn’t alone in the trend of Trump lookalikes. Over the years, social media users have spotted his likeness in everything from toxic caterpillars to pastries. There’s something about that distinctive hairstyle that just lends itself to memes and viral moments. The buffalo in Bangladesh is just the latest in a long line of accidental doppelgängers, but it might be the most unexpected.
The buffalo’s story is a reminder of how quickly things can spiral on social media. One viral video, a catchy nickname, and suddenly, a farm animal is a national talking point. The government’s intervention shows just how seriously they took the public’s reaction. It’s not every day that a buffalo gets a last-minute pardon, but then again, it’s not every day that a buffalo gets compared to the U.S. President.
The whole situation is a mix of absurdity and heartwarming relief
It’s rare to see an animal become such a cultural moment, but when it happens, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. The buffalo’s story is a testament to the power of social media and the internet’s love for a good meme. Whether it’s a pheasant with a feather pouf or a buffalo with a blond fringe, the world can’t resist a good doppelgänger.
The buffalo’s journey from farm animal to viral sensation is a wild ride, and it’s not over yet. With its new home at the zoo, it’ll have plenty of opportunities to charm the public. Who knows, maybe it’ll even inspire a new wave of animal lookalikes. Until then, the buffalo can enjoy its fame and the safety of its new surroundings.
(Featured image: Steve Jurvetson)
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