Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Senator Presses for Return of Deportee to U.S. from El Salvador

April 17, 2025

Supreme Court Considers Mexican Government’s Case Against U.S. Gun Manufacturers

March 4, 2025

Lawmakers Criticize Alleged Trump Administration Cuts to Healthcare Benefits

March 13, 2025

Musk Faces GOP Criticism Amid Escalating Trump Feud and Other Major News

June 6, 2025

Democrats’ Poll Numbers Fall as Trump Experiences Decline in Approval Ratings

May 7, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Trump’s Proposed Plan for Gaza Peace: Key Details Unveiled
  • Arizona Woman Accused of Aiding North Korean Workers to Breach US Companies
  • El Salvador Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Rape of 11-Year-Old in Virginia Beach
  • Germany Anticipates Modest Growth with Merz’s €500 Billion Overhaul Plan
  • Man Charged with Arson in Pacific Palisades Fire
  • AKP Chairman Resigns Amid Political Turmoil
  • Workplace Deaths Rise: 206 Workers Killed in September Across Construction and Agriculture
  • Israel and Hamas Agree on Hostage Release and Partial Troop Withdrawal
  • Increasing Cannabis Use Among Seniors: Reasons and Trends
  • AI-Driven Curriculum Replaces Teachers at $40,000-a-Year School
  • Dolly Parton Assures Fans She Is Not Dying After Sister’s Prayer Request
  • Domino’s Unveils First Major Redesign in 13 Years
  • Manchester Synagogue Attacker Swears Allegiance to Islamic State Prior to Assault
  • Senate Fails to Reach Agreement on Day 8 of Government Shutdown
  • Auto Industry Faces Turmoil as EU Implements New Steel Tariffs
  • FOMC Predicts Two Additional Rate Cuts by End of 2025
  • Air Traffic Control Shortages Contribute to U.S. Flight Delays, FAA Reports
  • COVID Mask Mandates Reinstated in Blue-State County Due to Increased Risk
  • Boston Pro-Palestinian Protest Escalates into Violent Riot, 13 Arrested
  • Israel Commemorates Two Years Since Hamas Attack Amid Ongoing Gaza War Reflections
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Wednesday, October 8
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » World » Hundreds of Animals, Including Tigers and Elephants, Escape Cartel Violence in Mexico
Hundreds of Animals, Including Tigers and Elephants, Escape Cartel Violence in Mexico

Hundreds of Animals, Including Tigers and Elephants, Escape Cartel Violence in Mexico

News EditorBy News EditorMay 22, 2025 World 5 Mins Read

In a shocking display of the relentless violence attributed to drug cartels in Mexico, the Ostok Sanctuary in Culiacán has been forced to evacuate over 700 animals, including tigers, elephants, and monkeys. This drastic measure was taken due to increased threats from rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, who have destabilized the region. With law enforcement largely absent and violence erupting daily, the sanctuary staff prioritized the safety of the animals, even as conditions worsened.

Article Subheadings
1) The Evacuation of the Ostok Sanctuary
2) The Role of Cartels in Culiacán
3) Impact on Animals and Staff
4) The Response from Authorities
5) Prospects for the Future

The Evacuation of the Ostok Sanctuary

The Ostok Sanctuary was compelled to evacuate its diverse array of wildlife due to escalating violence in Culiacán, Sinaloa. The sanctuary, which has provided a home for over 700 rescued animals, had become increasingly unsafe as drug-related violence reached new heights. Sanctuary Director Ernesto Zazueta indicated that the situation had become untenable, citing threats to the staff and the animals alike. The decision was not made lightly; after assessing the dangers and the lack of help from local authorities, the team agreed to move the animals to a safer facility in Mazatlán.

The Role of Cartels in Culiacán

Culiacán has been under the dominion of the Sinaloa Cartel for many years, which has historically maintained a strong grip over the region. However, this semblance of order began to crumble following a high-profile kidnapping incident involving the son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. After this incident, the city witnessed a surge in power struggles between rival factions, escalating the violence significantly. These skirmishes often involve extortion, kidnapping, and violence that affects not only rival gang members but also innocent civilians. As the conflict drags on, daily life has become increasingly perilous, with residents unsure of the safety of their neighborhoods.

Impact on Animals and Staff

The sanctuary staff have reported that their charges have suffered immensely due to the stress of their surroundings. Reports indicate that some animals went days without food, while others showed visible signs of trauma, shedding fur from anxiety. Tragically, two big cats succumbed to the extreme conditions. In an interview, Diego García, a sanctuary staff member, remarked,

“There’s no safe place left in this city these days.”

This commentary underscores the pervasive fear that hangs over both the animals and those responsible for their care, reflecting the deepening crisis fueled by the unyielding violence of the cartels.

The Response from Authorities

Efforts to seek help from local authorities were met with silence. Despite frequent threats, the sanctuary received no assistance during their most perilous moments. Zazueta stated, “We asked ourselves, ‘What are we doing here?’” This encapsulated their frustration with a system that has abandoned them. The situation grew increasingly dire when a critical health issue arose for Bireki, one of the sanctuary’s elephants; not a single veterinarian would agree to enter the cartel-controlled area for treatment. It became clear that immediate action was necessary, leading to the difficult decision to abandon the sanctuary and relocate all animals to safety.

Prospects for the Future

The caravan transporting the animals to Mazatlán was organized meticulously and executed with urgency, past watchful cartel lookouts along the route. Sanctuary staff have expressed hope that their new location will provide a refuge free from the chaos of cartel violence. However, the reality remains that the spread of this violence poses a constant risk, extending beyond Culiacán. The staff hopes to find a new home for the animals where they can live in peace, but they remain acutely aware that the shadow of cartel influence is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

No. Key Points
1 The Ostok Sanctuary evacuated over 700 animals due to cartel violence in Culiacán.
2 The Sinaloa Cartel has historically held control over Culiacán, leading to instability and violence.
3 Sanctuary staff reported severe conditions affecting the animals, including trauma and starvation.
4 Local authorities failed to provide assistance to the sanctuary during the crisis.
5 There is hope for a new safe haven in Mazatlán, but concerns about continuing cartel influence remain.

Summary

The evacuation of the Ostok Sanctuary highlights the grave consequences of cartel violence not only on human lives but also on the innocent animals caught in the crossfire. As Culiacán descends further into chaos, the resilience and determination of the sanctuary staff serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by communities amid ongoing criminal conflicts. The story also raises critical questions about authorities’ responsibilities in protecting both human and animal lives in such perilous circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What prompted the evacuation of the Ostok Sanctuary?

The evacuation was prompted by escalating violence and threats from rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, making it unsafe for both the animals and the shelter’s staff.

Question: What conditions did the animals face at the sanctuary before evacuation?

Before the evacuation, the animals were subjected to severe stress, resulting in some going without food for days, with visible signs of trauma, and the death of two big cats.

Question: How did the local authorities respond to the crisis at the sanctuary?

Local authorities failed to offer any assistance or intervention during the crisis, leaving the sanctuary staff to fend for the animals on their own amidst escalating threats.

Animals cartel Climate Change Conflict Zones Cultural Diversity Diplomatic Talks Economic Cooperation Elephants Escape Geopolitical Tensions Global Economy Global Health Global Innovation Global Politics Human Rights Humanitarian Crises hundreds including International Relations International Security Mexico Migration Crisis Peace Negotiations Tigers Trade Agreements Transnational Issues United Nations violence World Governance
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

World

Trump’s Proposed Plan for Gaza Peace: Key Details Unveiled

6 Mins Read
World

Manchester Synagogue Attacker Swears Allegiance to Islamic State Prior to Assault

6 Mins Read
World

Israel Commemorates Two Years Since Hamas Attack Amid Ongoing Gaza War Reflections

7 Mins Read
World

Netanyahu Commemorates Two Years Since October 7 Attack, Declares Resilience Against Adversaries

5 Mins Read
World

Hurricane Priscilla Strengthens Over Pacific, Forecast Path Revealed

5 Mins Read
World

Vatican Cardinal Condemns Hamas and Israel’s Actions in Gaza Conflict

5 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump Ally Named Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges

March 24, 2025

Fired FTC Commissioner Warns Trump Administration’s Actions Threaten Market Stability

March 19, 2025

Trump Administration Launches Foreign Funding Investigation into UC Berkeley

April 25, 2025

EU Leaders Concerned Over Potential U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Europe

March 2, 2025

Trump Proposes Sanctions Against Russia Following Ukraine Attack

March 7, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version