Crowds gather at Zoo enclosure to see buffalo named ‘Donald Trump’

Visitors crowded in front of enclosure “L-07” at the National Zoo in Mirpur, Dhaka, to catch a glimpse of the much-talked-about buffalo named “Donald Trump” on Thursday afternoon, the day of Eid-ul-Azha.

Although the zoo remained relatively quiet on Eid day, many visitors still came specifically to see the buffalo. As a result, while most other enclosures had fewer spectators, crowds continued to gather in front of Donald Trump’s enclosure.

Zoo authorities also hung an identity board in front of the enclosure that reads: “Albino Buffalo — White Buffalo (Donald Trump).”

Many visitors commented that the albino buffalo bears some resemblance to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

A group of Tourist Police officers were stationed in front of the enclosure to maintain security due to the large number of visitors.

National Zoo curator Md. Atikur Rahman said the buffalo arrived at the zoo around 11 pm on Wednesday night. “Since this morning, visitors have been crowding in front of the enclosure. It’s a new animal, which is why people are so interested,” he said.

The curator also mentioned that the buffalo appeared to have suffered a minor scratch while being unloaded from the vehicle. “The injury is very small. Treatment has already been provided, and it will heal soon,” he added.

The buffalo had previously been raised at Rabeya Agro Farm in Paikpara, Narayanganj, owned by Zia Uddin Mridha. Zia Uddin had told media outlets that his brother named the buffalo after Donald Trump because of its “extraordinary hair.”

Throughout May, crowds from nearby areas in Dhaka flocked to the farm to see the buffalo. News reports and videos featuring the animal gained widespread attention both locally and internationally. International outlets including The Telegraph, The Independent, Reuters and AFP also published reports on the buffalo.

Zia Uddin later sold the buffalo to Moniruzzaman of Zinjira in Keraniganj. Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the buffalo was taken from the Narayanganj farm to Keraniganj on Monday afternoon and was given a grand farewell with a red carpet, colorful smoke, and royal-style decorations.

On Wednesday afternoon, a day before Eid, police took the buffalo from Moniruzzaman’s house following intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was later transferred to the National Zoo.