In a harrowing intersection of wildlife conservation and organized crime, the Ostok Sanctuary in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, has been compelled to evacuate over 700 animals due to escalating cartel violence. The sanctuary, home to former circus animals and exotic pets once owned by drug lords, found itself in the crossfire of a brutal turf war between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The conflict intensified following the kidnapping and extradition of a cartel leader by a son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, leading to widespread chaos, extortion, and kidnappings in the region. Sanctuary staff faced armed threats, supply shortages, and animal deaths, forcing them to take decisive action.

“We’ve never seen violence this extreme,” said Ernesto Zazueta, president of the Ostok Sanctuary. “We’re worried for the animals that come here to have a better future.”

The sanctuary’s proximity to conflict zones made it increasingly dangerous, with armed threats, supply shortages, and animal deaths forcing the staff to take action. Refuge workers and animals faced constant threats, with many suffering trauma and injury due to nearby gunfire and blocked access to food and medical care.

In March, the situation reached a breaking point when one of the sanctuary’s elephants, Bireki, injured her foot. Veterinarians scrambled to find a specialist to treat her in Mexico, the United States, and beyond. No one would brave the trip to Culiacán.

The sanctuary’s plight underscores the broader impact of cartel violence on all facets of life in affected regions. As the animals begin their new lives in Mazatlán, the sanctuary staff remains vigilant, aware that the reach of cartel violence is extensive and unpredictable.

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