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A dangerous conflict between rival criminal groups in the Sinaloa cartel has forced an animal sanctuary in Culiac\u00e1n, Mexico, to quietly evacuate around 700 exotic animals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The Ostok Sanctuary, which has rescued animals from circuses, illegal trade, and private homes, moved tigers, lions, elephants and other animals to safety as gun violence increased in the area.<\/p>\n The sanctuary sits on the outskirts of Culiac\u00e1n, a city now trapped in daily gun battles, kidnappings, and extortion. Two powerful groups inside the Sinaloa cartel are fighting for control, making the region extremely unsafe<\/a> for people and animals at the sanctuary.<\/p>\n Ostok has been operating for over 20 years and houses lions, tigers, jaguars, crocodiles, monkeys, elephants, and many other animals.<\/p>\n Many were rescued from abuse, neglect, or abandoned by former owners involved in organized crime<\/a>. Staff members who care for the animals said the violence made it impossible to continue safely.<\/p>\n One staff member was robbed at gunpoint while delivering food. Vets could not reach the sanctuary to treat injured animals, including an elephant with a painful foot wound.<\/p>\nStaff member robbed at gunpoint<\/strong><\/h2>\n