A dangerous conflict between rival criminal groups in Mexico forced Animal Sanctuary Ostok to evacuate 700 rescued exotic animals away from violence

 

A dangerous conflict between rival criminal groups in the Sinaloa cartel has forced an animal sanctuary in Culiacán, Mexico, to quietly evacuate around 700 exotic animals.

The Ostok Sanctuary, which has rescued animals from circuses, illegal trade, and private homes, moved tigers, lions, elephants and other animals to safety as gun violence increased in the area.

The sanctuary sits on the outskirts of Culiacán, a city now trapped in daily gun battles, kidnappings, and extortion. Two powerful groups inside the Sinaloa cartel are fighting for control, making the region extremely unsafe for people and animals at the sanctuary.

Ostok has been operating for over 20 years and houses lions, tigers, jaguars, crocodiles, monkeys, elephants, and many other animals.

Many were rescued from abuse, neglect, or abandoned by former owners involved in organized crime. Staff members who care for the animals said the violence made it impossible to continue safely.

Staff member robbed at gunpoint

One staff member was robbed at gunpoint while delivering food. Vets could not reach the sanctuary to treat injured animals, including an elephant with a painful foot wound.

A silent evacuation of the animals

Staff said armed groups appeared near the sanctuary grounds, raising fears that the site could be attacked or looted.

To protect the animals and the team, the sanctuary organized a silent evacuation. Staff moved the animals quietly over several days to a temporary shelter in Mazatlán with help from the Mexican National Guard. The goal was to avoid drawing attention from violent groups in the area.

Staff say the move was emotionally hard, and they remain worried that the violence might follow them.

Text Animal Reader  photos from news papers Mexico