Cartel Violence Forces Mexican Animal Sanctuary to Relocate 700 Animals

Mexican Animal Sanctuary Relocates 700 Animals Amid Cartel Violence Culiacán, Mexico – In a dramatic turn of events, the Ostok animal sanctuary in Culiacán, Mexico, has been forced to relocate over 700 animals due to escalating violence and threats from rival Sinaloa cartel groups. The sanctuary, known for its rescue and rehabilitation efforts, became a target, enduring threats to staff, robberies, and extortion attempts. "What really triggered everything after the robbery was that the elephant Viki, whom we rescued, had a leg problem one day," explained Ernesto Zazueta, the Ostok Sanctuary director, in a recent interview. "We realized the harsh reality: no vet from anywhere..." Zazueta further detailed their attempts to contact authorities, stating, "We contacted the national guard and police – but haven't gotten a response." The video footage shows the stressful process of transporting a variety of animals, including ostriches, tigers, and lions, to a new, undisclosed location over 100 miles away. The situation underscores the far-reaching consequences of cartel violence, extending beyond human lives to impact the welfare of animals and conservation efforts. The lack of response from authorities raises concerns about the vulnerability of such organizations in high-risk areas. While the relocation was successful, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those working to protect animals in regions plagued by organized crime.