For years, exotic pets owned by cartel members (along with former circus animals) have lived in a modest sanctuary in the outskirts of the Sinaloa capital of Mexico.

However, a violent struggle broke out between rival Sinaloa cartel factions last year, putting the region in chaos. The leaders of Ostoke Shelter face armed attacks, ongoing death threats and basic supplies that are crucial to the survival of their 700 animals.

This week, aid workers left Culiacan and transported the animals across the state in a bid to protect them from the worst of violence. However, fighting has become so common that many people fear that it will inevitably reach them.

The violence began eight months ago when two rival Sinaloa cartel factions began to compete for territory, triggered by the dramatic kidnapping of a group leader. He was kidnapped by the son of the notorious Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and later handed over to U.S. authorities in a private plane.

Since then, fierce clashes between armed factions have become a daily reality for civilians in Culiacan – until recently, the city has largely survived the violence in Mexico due to the firm control of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The shelter director Zazueta said the animals departed from the city as a further sign of the in-depth infiltration of conflict into daily life.

During times of intense violence, shelter staff could hear gunfire nearby and noise from cars and helicopters overhead - which bothered the animals. The regular fights of Cartel would prevent staff from reaching the shelter, leaving some animals behind for days without food. As a result, many have begun to lose their fur, with at least two dead.

Further complicating the situation is that more and more rescued animals are left in remote areas of the state with abandoned former Narco pets. In one case, the Bengal tiger was found to be linked in a public square. Rumors persist in Sinaloa and other conflict-torn areas where cartel bosses deal with the enemy by feeding them to pet lions.

The situation at Ostoke Shelter in March reached a point of destruction when one of their two elephants was injured. Veterinarians seek experts in Mexico, the United States and beyond, but no one wants to go to the Curiachi.

The shelter has not publicly announced that it would relocate animals, fearing revenge from local authorities or criminal groups that forced them to flee. They hope these animals can find safety in Mazatlan after years of turmoil.