Visitors flock to Dhaka Zoo to see Bangladesh's viral sensation 'Trump' buffalo
Dhaka, May 29
The albino buffalo that captured the world's attention with its uncanny resemblance to US President Donald Trump has become the latest crowd-puller at the National Zoo of Bangladesh in Mirpur, Dhaka, with visitors flocking in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the viral animal.
According to officials, the zoo--usually known for attracting visitors to its Royal Bengal tiger, lions, and giraffes--is now witnessing unusually high footfall for the buffalo, which has gained social media fame for its striking resemblance to the US President.
In Bangladesh, the day after Eid al-Adha is a public holiday, and the zoo typically sees heavy crowds.
However, this time, the viral buffalo has emerged as an unexpected star attraction.
The buffalo was originally purchased by businessman Muhammad Fariduzzaman Sharon from the Jinjira area of old Dhaka for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.
However, following intervention by the Bangladesh government, including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, the animal was not sacrificed.
It was subsequently taken into custody by police from the Keraniganj Model Police Station and transferred to the Dhaka Zoo on the eve of Eid.
Speaking to ANI, Dhaka Zoo Director, Rafiqul Islam Talukder, said the animal has been kept under conservation arrangements.
"The albino buffalo has recently been transferred to us at the Dhaka zoo for preservation. We have kept it at the Dhaka zoo for conservation purposes, not for public display. However, since it is kept in an open area, people can still view it from a distance," Talukder said.
Despite the official conservation purpose, the buffalo has quickly become a social media sensation, drawing more attention than some of the zoo's most popular animals.
"More people are gathering to see this buffalo than even the Royal Bengal tiger. The reason is that this buffalo's hairstyle is an exact replica of President Trump's hairstyle, and its face and eyes also have a slight resemblance. It is truly remarkable that an animal shape is so closely similar to a human figure, which is not something we usually see," said a visitor.
The buffalo is being raised at Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj, near Dhaka.
According to reports, its distinctive blonde hairstyle--likened to Donald Trump's--first caught attention after the farm owner's younger brother jokingly called it "Donald Trump", a nickname that quickly went viral on social media.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, this is a bit silly. The world is facing real issues – climate change, poverty, conflicts – and we're going gaga over a buffalo that looks like a former US president? I mean, it's cute for a meme, but the media attention is over the top. People should focus on the zoo's conservation work instead of this circus act.
Wah! Ek buffalo itna famous ki PM modi aur Trump bhi jealous ho jayenge! 😂 But seriously, this shows how social media can turn anything into a star. That farmer must be laughing all the way to the bank. Hope the buffalo is well cared for in the zoo – it deserves a VIP treatment now. #TrumpBuffalo
As an American, I find this hilarious. We have a president who acts like a bull in a china shop, and now Bangladesh has a buffalo that looks like him. It's a poetic metaphor. The albino gene is interesting – hope scientists study it. But for the love of God, stop sacrificing rare animals, even if it's Eid. Good on Bangladesh for stepping in.
I visited Dhaka Zoo last year for the tigers – they are majestic. But now this buffalo's got more pull than the Royal Bengal? That's ironic. The zoo director says it's not for public display, but let's face it – they're milking this viral fame. It's good for tourism, but I hope they don't exploit the animal. Anyways, I'm booking a ticket to Dhaka next month. 😎
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