Dhaka Zoo officials dismiss neglect allegations surrounding Donald Trump albino buffalo
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Concerns regarding the welfare of an albino buffalo colloquially named “Donald Trump” have surfaced following viral social media images depicting the animal in a seemingly frail condition at the Dhaka National Zoo. While visitors have expressed alarm over the buffalo’s appearance, authorities maintain that the animal is in good health and under professional care.
During a recent site visit to the zoo, the buffalo was observed in its L-7 enclosure, where staff have installed fans and insulated the tin roofing to mitigate heat. The animal, which became a national and international sensation due to its unique appearance and moniker, is provided with a diet strictly monitored by a specialized medical board. Officials emphasized that the animal’s current physique is a result of a transition from a high-fat farm diet to a sustainable, long-term health regimen.
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Zoo director Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukdar explained that the buffalo was previously raised in a commercial farm where it was fed excessive amounts of grain to rapidly increase weight for the Eid-ul-Adha market. To ensure the animal’s longevity—with a typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years—authorities have reduced its daily intake of carbohydrates and grains, replacing them with a fiber-rich diet consisting of 25 kilograms of green grass and five kilograms of hay. This adjustment aims to prevent obesity-related health complications and sudden cardiac risks.
The buffalo, originally from a farm in Narayanganj, was transferred to the National Zoo by government intervention shortly before the Eid festival. Following widespread public discourse regarding its care and identification, the zoo recently installed a new plaque labeling the animal as an “Albino Buffalo” (Bubalus bubalis). The signage explains that the animal’s white color is due to a genetic variation in melanin production, noting that while such buffaloes are prized for their beauty, they are primarily suited for conservation and exhibition rather than commercial production.
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Administrative changes have occurred at the facility concurrently with the public scrutiny. The Department of Livestock Services has transferred Director Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukdar to the Department of Livestock Pharmacy and appointed Md. Shahinur Alam as the new director. Additionally, curator Md. Atiqur Rahman has been suspended pending an investigation into disciplinary breaches. Acting Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Md. Shahzaman Khan, stated that these personnel changes are standard administrative procedures and are not linked to the controversy surrounding the buffalo.
As the institution shifts focus toward scientific conservation, officials are urging the public to exercise responsibility and empathy. The new informational signage at the enclosure highlights the buffalo as a rare piece of the nation’s genetic heritage, emphasizing that humane treatment and responsible observation are essential for the animal’s continued well-being.
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