Overview

• The Ostok Sanctuary in Culiacan evacuated tigers, elephants, jaguars, and other exotic animals to a wildlife reserve near Mazatlan due to intensifying cartel violence.
• The relocation follows months of armed threats, supply disruptions, and attacks that led to the deaths of at least two animals and disrupted care for others.
• The Sinaloa Cartel's internal power struggle, triggered by the kidnapping of a faction leader by El Chapo's son, has fueled extortion, kidnappings, and widespread civilian suffering in Culiacan.
• The Mexican National Guard provided security for the animal convoy, but sanctuary staff remain concerned about violence following them to Mazatlan.
• Sanctuary leaders criticized local authorities for ignoring their repeated pleas for aid over the past eight months, leaving them to operate without adequate support.