Zoo Curator Suspended After Misspelling ‘Donald Trump’ on Famous Albino Buffalo Display Board

The government has temporarily suspended Dr. Md. Atikur Rahman, curator of the National Zoo in Mirpur, following controversy over the misspelling of the name of the widely discussed albino buffalo known as “Donald Trump.”

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against the Bangladesh Civil Service (Livestock) cadre officer on allegations of misconduct.

The order, signed by Ministry Secretary Md. Delwar Hossain and issued on Saturday, stated that departmental action would be taken against Dr. Rahman under Section 39(1) of the Government Service Act, 2018, and Rule 3(b) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

The notification further stated that he has been suspended under Rule 12(1) of the same regulations and will receive a subsistence allowance during the suspension period. The order took immediate effect in the public interest.

Controversy Over Display Board

Officials from the Department of Livestock Services and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said the controversy began when a display board prepared for visitors at the National Zoo identified the buffalo as “Donald Ttamp” instead of “Donald Trump.”

After visitors noticed the error, photographs of the sign quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread criticism, ridicule, and online satire. The issue eventually drew attention at the highest levels of government.

Sources said authorities viewed the matter seriously because the animal had already attracted significant national and international attention. As a result, administrative action was taken against the zoo curator.

However, another government source indicated that the suspension may have been influenced by additional factors beyond the spelling mistake alone, although no further details were provided.

Transfer and New Appointment

In a separate order issued by the Livestock-4 Division of the ministry on Saturday, Dr. Atikur Rahman was transferred to the Department of Livestock Services and appointed Project Director of the Livestock, Veterinary and Dairy Development (LVDD) Revived Project in Dhaka.

The same order appointed Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, currently serving in the LVDD Revived Project, as the new curator of the National Zoo.

The Buffalo That Became a National Sensation

The rare albino buffalo gained widespread attention across Bangladesh ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. Weighing approximately 700 kilograms and distinguished by its pinkish-white coloration and golden hair on the front of its head, the animal was nicknamed “Donald Trump” by its owners because of its resemblance to the distinctive hairstyle and appearance of U.S. President Donald Trump.

After being showcased at a sacrificial animal market, the buffalo attracted extensive media coverage both domestically and internationally.

Due to overwhelming public interest and concerns over crowd management and public order, authorities decided to preserve the animal rather than allow it to be slaughtered. The government subsequently compensated the buyer, and the buffalo was transported to the National Zoo with assistance from local law enforcement.

Political and Administrative Significance

While the spelling error itself may appear minor, the government's response highlights a broader emphasis on accountability within public institutions. The case illustrates how issues amplified through social media can rapidly evolve into administrative and political matters, particularly when they involve high-profile subjects that attract international attention.

Following public criticism, zoo authorities replaced the controversial display board and renamed the animal on its official exhibit as simply the “White Buffalo,” effectively ending the naming dispute while preserving the animal as one of the zoo’s most popular attractions.