Kaliacan, Mexico (AP) – On Tuesday morning, a large metal container was filled with animals such as tigers, monkeys, jaguars, elephants, and lions as they were loaded one by one into a compact fleet. These animals were relocating due to ongoing cartel violence that has enveloped the city of Culiacan in northern Mexico.
For years, exotic pets owned by cartel members and circus animals were housed in a small shelter on the outskirts of Sinaloa’s capital. However, a violent power struggle erupted last year. Rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have plunged the area into unprecedented chaos, leaving the Ostok Reserve leaders isolated from armed assaults, constant threats, and vital supplies necessary for the survival of 700 animals.
Animal aid organizations are currently transporting them across the state in an effort to escape Culiacan and reduce their exposure to violence. Nonetheless, the conflict extends across regions where many residents fear the repercussions of moving.
“We’ve never witnessed such extreme violence,” remarked Ernesto Zazueta, president of the Ostok Reserve. “I worry that the animals arriving here will face a more secure future.”
Cartel Conflict
Violence intensified in the city eight months ago when two rival Sinaloa Cartels began to clash over territory following the dramatic capture of their leader by the infamous son of Capo Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who was subsequently handed over to U.S. authorities via civilian aircraft.
Since then, intense skirmishes among heavily armed factions have become commonplace for Culiacan’s residents, while the Sinaloa Cartel maintains significant control.
“The escalating conflict among the factions of the Sinaloa cartel has driven them to resort to theft and extortion to fund their war,” stated security analyst David Sodes. “And the civilians in Culiacan bear the brunt of it.”
Zazueta, the sanctuary director, emphasized that their exodus from the city illustrates how deeply the conflict has infiltrated daily life.
This week, staff at the shelter loaded the animals into a convoy, with trainers attempting to calm them. One handler softly spoke to an elephant, offering it treats during the transition.
Veterinarians, accompanied by the Mexican National Guard, began their journey along the highway to Mazatlan, where the animals are slated for relocation to another wildlife sanctuary.
This relocation followed several months of careful planning and preparation, a crucial move given the sanctuary’s precarious position close to the town of Jesús María, a battleground for the Roschapitos faction.
“Safe Spots Are Nonexistent Now.”
Amidst the ongoing violence, sanctuary staff often hear gunfire nearby, the sounds of passing cars, and helicopters overhead. The cartel frequently obstructs access to the sanctuary, leaving some animals without food for days. Zazueta reported that many have begun to lose their fur, with at least two animals succumbing to their dire circumstances.
The situation is exacerbated by a growing number of animals in need of rescue, as former narcopets continue to be abandoned in the countryside. One instance involved a Bengal tiger found chained in an area rife with gunfire, while urban legends circulate about Capos feeding their enemies to pet lions throughout Sinaloa.
Diego Garcia, a staff member of the sanctuary, regularly ventures out to rescue these animals. He expressed concerns over threats to his safety, stating that he has been targeted, revealing that the caller knows where to find him and is worried about former pets of Capos. Zazueta noted that the sanctuary has also received threats to burn it down and harm the animals if demands are not met.
“There are no safe places in this city these days,” Garcia lamented.
This sentiment resonates with many in the million-strong city. As daylight breaks, parents check news of shootings like they would the weather, seeking assurance about sending their children to school. Burnt houses punctuate the landscape, and occasionally, bodies can be seen hanging from bridges outside the city. By night, Culiacan transforms into a ghost town as bars and clubs shut down, leaving countless jobs lost.
“My son, my son, I’m here. I will not leave you alone,” a mother wailed on the roadside, cradling her son’s lifeless body surrounded by spent bullet casings. “Why aren’t the police doing anything?” she cried.
Evacuated Animals Moving to New Shelter
In February, while driving an evacuation vehicle for the animals, Garcia was confronted by an armed man who forced him out at gunpoint. The thieves stole the vehicle, veterinary supplies, and tools essential for rescues, leaving him shaken on the roadside.
The critical turning point for Ostok Sanctuary occurred in March, when one of the two elephants, Bireki, suffered a leg injury. The veterinarian struggled to find specialists willing to treat her in Mexico, the United States, and beyond, with no one willing to risk traveling to Culiacan.
“We questioned ourselves, ‘What are we doing here?'” Zazueta reflected. “We can’t afford another incident like this. If we don’t leave, who will care for these animals?”
Many remain concerned that past crackdowns on cartels will lead to further violent retaliation from criminal organizations, as observed by security analyst Saucedo.
Zazueta criticized local authorities and security forces for not taking action, stating that calls for help over the past eight months have gone unanswered.
The Sinaloa Governor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
Reluctantly, the sanctuary moved in secrecy, fearing repercussions from local officials or the cartel itself, but after years of turmoil, they hope the animals will find refuge in Mazatlan.
Garcia remains unsure, wishing for the best while observing cartel violence proliferate like cancer throughout the region. Although Mazatlan also faces violence, it is incomparable to that of Culiacan.
“At least it’s stable there,” he remarked. “Here, today, it’s just suffocating.”
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Fernanda Pesce of Associated Press Video Journalist contributed to this report from Culiacan, Mexico.
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