The albino buffalo that became a national talking point after being nicknamed “Donald Trump” has been moved from the National Zoo in Dhaka to the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar, where scientists plan to study the rare animal.
The transfer took place on Sunday following instructions from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, ending an unusual journey that saw the buffalo move from a private farm to a police station, then to the National Zoo, and now to a government research facility.
BLRI officials said the buffalo has been placed in quarantine and will remain under observation for between 14 and 21 days before any research activities begin.
To oversee the process, the institute has formed a 13-member committee headed by Gautam Kumar Deb, chief scientific officer and head of the Buffalo Production Research Division.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure the buffalo remains healthy and disease-free during quarantine. Once that period is completed, we will assess how the animal can contribute to scientific research,” Deb said.
The buffalo first attracted public attention ahead of Eid-ul-Adha because of its rare albino appearance.
Its distinctive white coat and unusual features drew large crowds and widespread social media interest.
The animal’s owners at Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj named it “Donald Trump” after US President Donald Trump, a nickname that quickly gained traction and helped turn the buffalo into an internet sensation.
The story was subsequently picked up by both local and international media.
Before Eid, the buffalo changed ownership and was sold to a buyer in Keraniganj.
However, on the eve of the festival, law enforcement agencies intervened and took the animal into custody following instructions from the Home Ministry.
The buffalo was initially taken to Keraniganj police station before being transferred to the National Zoo in Mirpur, where it remained under official care until its latest relocation.
Officials say the animal’s rare genetic characteristics make it a potentially valuable subject for research into livestock genetics and breeding.
With the buffalo now under the care of livestock scientists, authorities hope the animal’s scientific value will ultimately outweigh the public fascination generated by its unusual appearance and politically charged nickname.
