Li Bingbing fights to protect endangered animals(3)

When Li returned to China from Kenya, she starred in five "Say No to Ivory" campaigns to raise awareness about poaching, which threatens elephants and rhinos across Africa.

"Environmental protection is a responsibility not only for the government or celebrities or public figures but actually for every citizen," says Li. "It may be more influential for me as an actress to play a bigger role to get more people, more youths involved in this big mission."

Across Africa, elephant - and rhino poaching has raised alarm, with poachers killing some 35,000 elephants and 1,000 rhinos every year. Much of the ivory and horns are sold illegally in East Asia. Activists say that both animals face extinction within 20 years if the poaching continues at the current rate.

"Their lives are in danger, and more people should realize this," says Li.

The "Say No to Ivory" campaign promoted by Li on her micro blog Sina Weibo, where she has a fan base of more than 29 million, received widespread support.

"It went viral, and I was so surprised to see the reposts," recalls Li. "On the other hand, I was very motivated and decided this will be an ongoing mission of my life."