With a little help it's possible to save lions from anywhere in the world, as proved by Papamoa's James Dorrington.

James has made it his life mission to help save African wildlife.

He is raising money for wildlife conservation projects in South Africa and asking Tauranga locals to pitch in and help.

'I'm based in Papamoa but soon will be heading to South Africa for my third wildlife trip.

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

James will be rescuing and relocating the lions to a safe area in Zimbabwe.

James Dorrington has been working closely with orphaned elephants. Photo: Supplied.

'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 in July 2022.

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

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

James Dorrington has been working closely with orphaned elephants. Photo: Supplied.

He has 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.”

He is planning on returning to South Africa very soon to continue his work with wildlife and is asking for financial help through a Givealittle page.

James Dorrington has been working closely with orphaned elephants. Photo: Supplied.

'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.”

James says the lion rescue mission will be followed by a film crew and any operations that 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.”

James Dorrington with an orphaned elephant. Photo: Supplied.

His Givealittle page provides an opportunity for anyone to help raise money for these operations.

'And I need help getting the word out there.”

To donate funds to help rescue lions in South Africa please go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/wildlife-conservation-and-rescue-animals-south

Follow his updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/james_dorrington

If you'd like to help James further on this wildlife conservation project in South Africa, contact him on email james_dorrington@hotmail.com