A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh nicknamed “Donald Trump” for its distinctive blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention, according to a home ministry official.

The nearly 700kg (1,543lb) animal had already been sold for ritual slaughter when authorities stepped in, citing security concerns after a surge of public interest before Thursday’s festival.

The minister of home affairs, Salahuddin Ahmed, ordered the buffalo be spared, the buyer refunded, and the animal moved to the national zoo in Dhaka. “At the last moment, the decision was taken to spare the buffalo from sacrifice due to security concerns and the unusual level of public interest,” a ministry official said.

What began as a routine Eid purchase quickly turned into nationwide curiosity after videos went viral. Crowds gathered at the farm, with visitors travelling from far afield to see its blond fringe and calm demeanour. The owner of the farm, Ziauddin Mridha, said his younger brother had given the buffalo the Trump nickname after spotting his resemblance to the US president.

Mridha said the animal was unusually gentle and needed careful upkeep, including frequent feeding and regular baths.

Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are dark, making it stand out during the peak Eid livestock season – although it was the nickname that probably saved its life.