Even Hippos, Elephants and Monkeys Are Fleeing Bloody Gang Violence in Mexico’s Sinaloa Province

This week began the transfer of the 700 animals from the Ostok shrine from the city of Culiacan to a new refuge in Mazatlan, the largest animal exodus recorded in Mexico

700 exotic animals evacuated from Sinaloa sanctuary due to cartel violence

A Mexican wildlife sanctuary has evacuated hundreds of exotic animals to escape cartel violence near Culiacán, Sinaloa, marking one of the largest animal relocations in the country’s history. Ostok Sanctuary, home to about 700 animals including elephants, tigers and lions, transported its inhabitants 140 miles to a new refuge in Mazatlán after months of armed attacks, threats and supply shortages. Después de cuatro años de operación, el Santuar…

Cartel turf war forces evacuation of some 700 exotic animals in Mexico’s ‘Noah’s Ark’ rescue

CULIACÁN (Mexico), May 23 — Hundreds of animals including elephants, crocodiles, lions and tigers have been moved from a violence-torn Mexican cartel heartland to a new home in an operation described as a “21st-century Noah’s Ark.” The transported species, which also included exotic birds, had been housed at the Ostok animal refuge near Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state, home to one of the country’s most powerful drug gangs. The animal sanc…

Even hippos, elephants and monkeys are fleeing bloody gang violence in Mexico’s Sinaloa province

Organized crime and violence in the Mexican state of Sinaloa has forced a local sanctuary to close and transfer at least 700 animals – including elephants, tigers, lions, ostriches, chickens, monkeys, crocodiles, and hippos – to a new location 212 kilometers (approximately 131 miles) away.

Cartel Violence Leads to a Bizarre '21st-Century Noah’s Ark'

Seeking safety: Tigers and elephants flee cartel violence in Mexico

The Ostok Sanctuary has faced armed attacks, constant death threats and a cutoff from essential supplies needed to keep their 700 animals alive.