CNN
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Organized crime and violence in Sinaloa, Mexico, forced the local sanctuary to close and transport at least 700 animals, including elephants, tigers, lions, ostriches, chickens, monkeys, crocodiles and hippos.
The animals were moved from Ostok Sanctuary in Culiacan, a city in Sinaloa, Mexico, to Mazatlan in the southern state for continued violence.
Over the past few months, violence between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel has skyrocketed across northwestern Mexico, particularly the state of Culiacan.
According to Zazueta, this is the largest relocation of wildlife in Mexico ever committed due to violence.
Zazueta said the sanctuary was closed due to threats to attempts by rulers, robbers and criminal groups.
Zazueta told CNN that sanctuary staff, along with volunteers and support organizations, moved the animals to a site called “Bioparquel Encanto” on Tuesday.
“Culiacan is the toughest region, and although there were no issues with other opportunities, today it has become very difficult to reach the sanctuary.
Zazueta said that one of the elephants named Viki had problems with her legs, and the sanctuary came to the decision, and staff realized that the vets were not willing to travel to Culiacan due to safety concerns.
