Overview

• Ostok Sanctuary, founded in 2021 to rescue and rehabilitate abused wild animals, is relocating its 700 animals due to surging cartel violence in Culiacán, Sinaloa.
• Over 100 animals, including elephants Big Boy and Bireki, have already been transferred to Tierpark El Encanto in Mazatlán, about 250 kilometers away.
• The move follows months of intensified clashes between rival Sinaloa cartel factions after the U.S. arrest of drug lord Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada.
• Security concerns in Culiacán have hindered sanctuary staff from feeding animals or providing routine veterinary care, prompting the relocation.
• The relocation, expected to take several weeks, underscores the challenges of wildlife conservation in conflict-affected regions.