'Donald Trump' the Buffalo sent to BLRI for 14-day quarantine, research

The albino buffalo named ‘Donald Trump,’ which has generated widespread discussion both at home and abroad, has been transferred to the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar for scientific research. Following directives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the buffalo was officially handed over to the BLRI from the Mirpur National Zoo on Sunday.

According to BLRI sources, the buffalo is currently placed under a mandatory 14-day initial quarantine. During this period, the animal's health will be monitored, and public access will be restricted.

The BLRI has formed a 13-member committee to oversee the care and research activities of the buffalo, headed by Dr. Goutam Kumar Deb, the Principal Scientific Officer of the institute's Buffalo Production Research Division.

Dr. Goutam Kumar Deb stated that the buffalo was brought to the institute for breed development research. He explained that studies will be conducted on its genetic characteristics, production potential, and reproductive capacity. He added that the animal is currently healthy and the various research activities will commence after the quarantine period. The buffalo will remain permanently at the BLRI.

The albino buffalo was born and raised at the Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj, owned by Ziauddin Mridha. Ahead of this year's Eid-ul-Adha, Moniruzzaman, a resident of Old Dhaka's Jindabahar area, purchased the animal for sacrificial purposes at a price of Tk 3,85,000.

However, after photos and videos of the buffalo went viral on social media, it became the center of massive public attention. Authorities subsequently took the animal into custody for security reasons. Following official instructions, it was initially kept at the Keraniganj Police Station before being moved to the Mirpur National Zoo, and finally to its current destination at the BLRI.