Mexico: ‘Noah’s Ark’ of animals flees cartel violence for new home on coast

A massive effort to relocate endangered species, including lions, crocodiles, elephants, tigers, and exotic birds, was undertaken amid theSinaloa drug cartel's violence-ridden heartland. The operation, dubbed "21st-century Noah's Ark," aims to provide a safer haven for these animals, despite leaving behind stolen trucks and equipment that posed security risks. This relocation underscores the ongoing insecurity caused by cartel conflicts, which have claimed over 1,200 lives and left 1,400 missing since September. The new sanctuary in Mazatlán symbolically highlights the harsh reality of life for animals caught in this lawless region.