Circus Animals, Including Lions and Elephants, Escape Mexico City as Cartel Violence Overshadows
Animals Flee Violence in Culiacan Amid Cartel Chaos
A convoy of veterinarians was seen navigating hefty metal crates onto semi-trucks early Tuesday morning, amidst the chaos of cartel violence overtaking Culiacan, a city in northern Mexico. Among the cargo: tigers, monkeys, jaguars, elephants, and lions-each animal seeking refuge from escalating danger.
For years, these exotic pets of cartel members and circus animals found safety at a small animal refuge near Sinaloa’s capital. But an intense power struggle erupted last year within the Sinaloa cartel, leading to unprecedented violence that has left Ostok Sanctuary’s leaders grappling with armed threats and dwindling resources crucial for the survival of their 700 animals.
The decision to move these animals across the state comes as a desperate attempt to shield them from the violence. Yet, with conflict spreading widely, many fear that safety remains elusive. “We’ve never seen violence this extreme,” shared Ernesto Zazueta, president of the sanctuary. “We’re worried for the animals that come here to have a better future.”
The surge in violence began eight months ago after a dramatic incident involving the kidnapping of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s son. Zambada was handed over to U.S. authorities, heightening tensions between rival factions. This upheaval has transformed Culiacan from a relatively peaceful stronghold into a battleground.
“The escalating war between the two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel has led to extortion, kidnappings, and car thefts as they scramble for funds,” said David Saucedo, a security analyst. “Civilians in Culiacan are bearing the brunt.” The sanctuary’s struggle to escape marks yet another layer of how deeply this warfare is impacting daily life.
This week, refuge staff worked tirelessly to soothe frightened animals being loaded onto trucks. One trainer gently murmured reassurance to an elephant in a shipping container: “I’m going to be right here; no one will do anything to you.”
Accompanied by the Mexican National Guard, veterinarians and animals embarked on their journey to Mazatlan-a coastal city where they hope another wildlife reserve offers safe haven. The relocation followed months of planning as staff trained animals for what they hoped would be a fresh start.
Staff often hear gunshots and helicopters overhead during violent flare-ups near Jesús María, home base for one of the warring factions. Such conditions have left some animals without food for days and others losing fur; at least two have died under these circumstances.
Compounding challenges are increasing numbers of former narco pets abandoned in rural areas-a Bengal tiger was once found chained in a plaza amid shootouts. Urban legends persist about capos feeding enemies to pet lions. The U.S. Justice Department even alleged that some victims were fed “dead or alive to tigers.”
Diego García, part of the rescue team, faces constant threats from anonymous callers who claim knowledge of his whereabouts. He worries about being targeted for removing former cartel pets and recalls being carjacked at gunpoint while transporting rescued animals.
The breaking point for Ostok came when Bireki, an elephant under their care, injured her foot-no specialists would travel to Culiacan for treatment. “We asked ourselves, ‘what are we doing here?'” Zazueta lamented. “We can’t risk this happening again.”
Local government and security forces have been criticized for inadequate responses during this crisis-pleas for assistance remain unanswered. With no public announcement about their departure due to fears of reprisal from officials or cartels themselves, sanctuary
For more details, see this background on crime trends.
