The widely discussed albino white buffalo from Dhaka’s Mirpur National Zoo has been formally transferred to the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar for scientific observation and research, following a directive from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
According to BLRI officials, the animal was officially handed over on Sunday, 21 June, and has since been placed under strict quarantine. The decision marks a significant shift from public exhibition at the zoo to a controlled research environment aimed at assessing the animal’s health, genetic traits, and long-term viability.
The white buffalo, which gained nationwide and international attention during the lead-up to Eid-ul-Azha, is estimated to weigh around 700 kilograms and is known for its distinctive pinkish-white coat and unusual physical features, including a light golden tuft of hair on its forehead. Due to its striking appearance, farmers had named it “Donald Trump”, a label that later sparked widespread curiosity and media coverage.
The animal became a social media sensation after appearing in cattle markets ahead of the religious festival, eventually drawing attention from global media outlets including The Telegraph, The Independent, AFP, and Reuters. Following this surge in interest, the government decided to preserve the buffalo for scientific purposes. The animal was purchased by authorities and formally relocated to the national zoo via Keraniganj Model Police Station before being transferred to BLRI.
At BLRI, officials have formed a 13-member expert committee to oversee the buffalo’s condition and research potential. The committee is headed by Gautam Kumar Dev, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the Buffalo Production Research Division.
Dr Dev confirmed that the buffalo is currently undergoing a quarantine period of 14 to 21 days. During this time, specialists will monitor its health status, screen for infectious diseases, and evaluate its overall physiological condition. Only after this period will researchers determine its suitability for breeding studies or other long-term scientific uses.
He also noted that because the animal had originally been prepared for fattening by farmers, maintaining it under research conditions poses certain logistical challenges. Further assessments will be conducted after the quarantine phase to determine whether it has any reproductive or genetic research value.
The buffalo also became the centre of controversy during its brief stay at the zoo when an identification plate mistakenly displayed the name “Donald Ttump” instead of “Donald Trump”. The typographical error went viral on social media, prompting criticism and ridicule before zoo authorities corrected the signage. The animal was subsequently renamed simply as the “white buffalo” for official purposes.
Key Details of the White Buffalo
Category
Information
Animal type
Albino white buffalo
Approximate weight
700 kg
Original location
National Zoo, Mirpur
Current location
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar
Quarantine period
14–21 days
Committee members
13 experts
Committee head
Gautam Kumar Dev
Notable feature
Pink-white coat, golden forehead tuft
Public nickname
“Donald Trump”
The relocation of the animal marks the beginning of a structured scientific inquiry into a rare genetic specimen that has already captured both national fascination and international attention.
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