The wave of violence in Culiacán continues to affect the city for more than 5 months, resulting from a dispute between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, including 'Los Chapitos' and 'La Mayiza'. The clashes intensified following the arrest of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada in July and the arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López, son of 'El Chapo', in the United States.
The operations conducted by the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection in collaboration with municipal police, Army elements, and the National Guard have led to arrests that have weakened 'Los Chapitos'. Iván Archivaldo Guzmán López heads this criminal group, and important members of his circle have recently been captured, including 'El 200', responsible for the group's security, and 'El Güero', the financial operator of the organization.
This is the situation facing the Ostok animal sanctuary in Culiacán, which was recently targeted in a theft where staff was threatened with long weapons and stripped of a truck used for animal rescue and transportation, along with their food.
The president of the sanctuary, Ernesto Zazueta, has considered closing the site in Sinaloa due to the increasing violence in the region. Zazueta publicly denounced the aggression suffered by him and his team, highlighting the untenability of the situation in Culiacán and requesting authorities to control the rising crisis.
Zazueta has called on federal and local environmental authorities, as well as large companies with altruistic social programs, to support this type of rescue which requires many resources. The sanctuary is at a crossroads, facing the dilemma of continuing to operate amid rampant violence or making the difficult decision to close its doors in the city.
