The albino buffaloes are not a distinct breed or species of buffaloes, but rather the results of an extremely rare genetic condition.

The white or albino type occurs once in a million births, according to conservationists.

The type of buffalo has drawn increased attention at home and abroad during this Eid season due to one animal’s noticeable similarities with US President Donald Trump.

Amid the viral fame the buffalo, nicknamed Donald Trump, received, the Home Minister decided to spare it from slaughtering only a day before the Eid-ul-Azha by buying it from a Muslim devotee, who had bought it earlier from a trader.

It has since been shifted to the National Zoo in Mirpur, and has become a prime attraction there.

Dr M Munir Hossain, chairman of the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics at Bangladesh Agricultural University, told BBC Bangla that “albanism” is in reality, a “genetic disorder or character,” which is rare.

National Zoo Director Dr Md Rafiqul Islam told BBC Bangla that the “Donald Trump” albino buffalo has been shifted to the zoo for research and not exhibition purposes.

“We want to study its characteristics. We would review the scope to develop new breeds based on the research. We also wish to explore any economic opportunities it might offer,” Rafiqul said.