The latest wave of cartel violence in Culiacan, Mexico has forced the evacuation of 700 ex*tic animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles, from the Ostok animal refuge. The sanctuary, located in Sinaloa state, had been home to these animals for years, but escalating threats from criminal gangs made their continued stay impossible. Refuge administrators confirmed that the animals have been relocated to a coastal ranch, where they will be safer from the ongoing conflict.
The situation in Culiacan has deteriorated rapidly. Rival factions within the Sinaloa Cartel have been engaged in a violent power struggle, leading to armed attacks, kidnappings, and widespread extortion. The Ostok Sanctuary, once a haven for rescued animals, became a target as cartel members sought to seize control of the land and resources. The sanctuary’s staff faced constant death threats, and essential supplies were cut off, making it nearly impossible to care for the animals.
The scale of this rescue operation is unprecedented. Veterinarians and animal welfare experts worked tirelessly to load the animals into secure transport crates, ensuring their safety during the move. The convoy carrying the animals traveled across the state, navigating dangerous territory to reach their new home. The relocation effort was a race against time, as cartel violence continued to escalate in the region.
Cartel members keeping ex*tic animals as pets is nothing new. Drug lords have long been known to collect lions, tigers, and other rare species as status symbols, often keeping them in private compounds. Some of these animals were rescued from cartel properties, while others were abandoned by circus operators fleeing the violence. The Ostok Sanctuary had been a refuge for these creatures, but the worsening security situation made it impossible to continue operations.
The Mexican government has remained largely silent on the issue, offering little assistance in securing the sanctuary or protecting its staff. Animal rights organizations have called for greater intervention, warning that without stronger protections, more sanctuaries could face similar threats. The fate of the relocated animals remains uncertain, but for now, they are out of immediate danger.
Sources:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/tigers-lions-kept-drug-lords-35260862
https://www.barrons.com/news/exotic-animals-moved-from-mexico-refuge-under-threat-by-gangs-d477a2ee
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lions-elephants-narco-pets-animals-cartel-violence-mexico-culiacan/
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/lions-tigers-kept-pets-drug-142413286.html