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

Home Minister ​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 a 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.

Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said the name came from his younger brother, who ​spotted the resemblance.

Mridha added that the animal is unusually ​gentle and ⁠needs careful upkeep, including frequent feeding and regular baths.

Albino buffaloes are rare in Bangladesh, where most cattle are ⁠dark, ​making it a standout during the ​peak Eid livestock season - though it was the nickname that likely saved ​its life.