In the remote mountains of Sinaloa, within the notorious "Golden Triangle"—a hotbed of drug trafficking—authorities uncovered two abandoned Bengal tigers following a raid. Diego García Heredia, logistics head at the Ostok sanctuary, was tasked with their rescue and rehabilitation. With trepidation, he and his team embarked on the mission, mindful of recent armed robberies and threats from local criminal factions. Fortunately, they had naval escort. "Signs of violence were everywhere, reminding us of the potential dangers in such an isolated area," García recounted. This operation marked one of the final rescues before Ostok relocated over 700 animals to Mazatlán, seeking refuge from the narcotics conflict.

The tiger rescue coincided with a massacre in downtown Culiacán, where armed groups killed nine individuals in a rehabilitation center, amplifying the violence stemming from internal strife within the Sinaloa Cartel. This city is a primary battleground, with Ostok situated just outside, recovering animals once owned by drug lords or found during law enforcement raids.

Operating amidst fear has become second nature for these rescuers. The sanctuary, located a mere 17 kilometers from Jesús María—where Ovidio Guzmán, son of notorious kingpin El Chapo, was captured in 2023—was not immune to the surrounding chaos. Gunfire and helicopters were a common backdrop, with burnt-out vehicles lining roads near the sanctuary.

Despite the escalating dangers, the staff continued their work. Encounters with armed individuals and roadblocks became routine, adding to their anxiety. "Vehicles with armed men would block our path, questioning us. We were scared but had to proceed for the animals' sake, knowing the risks involved," García shared.

Sanctuary owner Ernesto Zazueta faced increasing challenges as violence shuttered many businesses, including essential suppliers. "Mobility dwindled; blockades and fires prevented us from reaching the sanctuary to feed the animals," he admitted.

Veterinary care also became untenable. Bireki, a female elephant with a leg ailment, couldn't receive professional attention in such a conflict-ridden zone. "No veterinarian dared to come, even from Culiacán. They feared for their safety," Zazueta recalled. Ultimately, they managed her care via remote guidance from specialists.

As threats against Zazueta and his family intensified, first online and then by phone, he initially dismissed them. However, during a visit to Mazatlán, he advised his wife and brother-in-law to join him, using a nondescript vehicle typically used for rescues. Yet, in broad daylight in the city center, they were ambushed by eight assailants, stripped of their possessions, including essential rescue equipment.

This incident was the breaking point. "We rescue animals to offer them a better life, but we were failing," Zazueta confessed. The Mazatlán ecological park owner provided 50 acres to accommodate Ostok's rescued fauna. Although relocating was daunting, remaining in Culiacán was untenable. They transported lions, jaguars, and elephants in cages and containers to their new home. "We still have 200 animals left to move, including many big cats rescued from the infamous Black Jaguar Foundation," he explained.

The fate of Ostok's vast property near Jesús María remains uncertain. As they evacuate the remaining animals, surveillance captures individuals in vehicles surveilling the site. "José Luis, who looks after the big cats, reported suspicious people at the gate. I instructed him to flee if they breached it, prioritizing his safety," Zazueta recounted. Many employees chose to continue their journey to Mazatlán, some even sleeping in their vehicles to care for the animals. "Their love for the animals drives them. I plan to build them accommodation here," Zazueta promised. Regarding Sinaloa's future, he remains hopeful. "Culiacán always rises from adversity. We've faced challenges before, but never on this scale. I wish to return, as it's my birthplace, but sometimes circumstances dictate otherwise," he lamented.