With a little help it's possible to save African lions from anywhere in the world, as proved by Pāpāmoa's James Dorrington who is heading to South Africa in November.

Saving African wildlife has become his life mission and he's asking Tauranga locals to pitch in and help raise funds for wildlife conservation projects there.

'I will be involved in the rescue of lions being bred illegally into captivity to be sold to trophy hunters.”

The lion rescue mission, his third wildlife trip, starts mid-November.

'We have to wait until then to sort out all the equipment, get the team together and raise the funds for everything.”

Rescuing and relocating

James will be rescuing and relocating the lions to a safe area in Zimbabwe. 'I am also planning some rehabilitation work for animals such as rhinos that have been orphaned or injured due to poaching.”

It all began for James when he volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa last July.

What was supposed to be a short working holiday quickly turned into a life-changing experience.

'I've since gone back to South Africa to study with the Nature College and continue working in wildlife conservation.”

He's worked closely with orphaned elephants, rescue lions and wild animals such as cheetah, white rhino, buffalo, giraffe and many other species.

'I have now made it my life mission to assist in the conservation of African wildlife and wherever possible, assist in the war against poaching and canned hunting.”

Financial help

James is now asking Kiwis for financial help through a Givealittle page.

'The money raised from this will cover the transportation costs of rescued lions between the canned hunting facility in South Africa to their new safe and healthy home in Zimbabwe.”

While the money will be used for a short operation involving the rescue and relocation of lions, any excess funds will go towards other ethical sanctuaries and wildlife conservation projects such as rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned rhinos.

'The costs will also help to cover equipment, food and water during the rescue mission and finally money will be given to the sanctuary that will end up looking after these lions to support their ethical work in caring for them.”

Pāpāmoa's James Dorrington is heading to South Africa this November to help lions. Photo: supplied.

James says the lion rescue mission will be followed by a film crew and any operations he's involved in will be shown through his Instagram.

'Just so people can see where the money they donate is going. A lot of people donate money to large charities and don't see where it goes, but I want people to be able to see the animals they're helping.”

His Givealittle page is an opportunity for anyone to help raise money for the operations. 'And I need help getting the word out there.”

To donate funds, visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/wildlife-conservation-and-rescue-animals-south

Follow James' updates on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/james_dorrington

If you'd like to help James further, email him at: james_dorrington@hotmail.com