Barby Keel, a spirited 90-year-old woman from England, has dedicated her life to a remarkable mission: rescuing animals in need. Over the past 54 years, she has lovingly opened her heart and home to around 10,000 animals who have faced abuse or abandonment, all while running the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in beautiful Sussex, UK.

Barby’s journey began in the 1970s when she was entrusted with a soldier’s dog while he was deployed in Northern Ireland. The bond formed was so strong that the dog chose to stay with her. This initial act of kindness blossomed into a lifelong commitment, leading her to care for countless cats, dogs, pigs, and even horses. Today, the sanctuary is home to over 600 animals, including 160 cats, 16 pigs, 8 dogs, 6 horses, 100 chickens, and 80 rabbits.

With a heart full of compassion, Barby recalls how her sanctuary started to grow. "Before long, I had about 40 cats and began taking in farm animals like sheep, cows, pigs, and goats," she shared. While some animals find new forever homes, the majority enjoy their days in the peaceful refuge of the sanctuary, embraced by Barby's unwavering love.

The 12-acre sanctuary, once managed solely by Barby, now thrives with the help of a wonderful team of volunteers who share her passion for animal welfare. Every day, Barby tends to her beloved animals and fills their lives with care and affection. Despite her age, she rarely takes a break, only stepping out occasionally for errands or to enjoy some local darts games.

Barby’s resilience is inspiring. She has bravely faced cancer three times but remains as dedicated as ever to her mission. “Some days I am shattered—it’s hard work,” she admits. “But then I get a little nose boop or a face peers up at me, and I remember why I’m doing this. My animals come first and always will.”

Her commitment is so profound that she even chose to end a long-term relationship to prioritize the well-being of her animals when given an ultimatum: ‘me or the animals.’

The Barby Keel Sanctuary operates as a nonprofit entirely through donations and has recently reopened to the public. Visitors can enjoy free entry every Sunday until October 2025, where they can meet the animals, relax at the café, shop for souvenirs, or explore the vivarium. Barby also runs a shop on-site, providing affordable pet food to the community, showcasing her desire to support pet owners.

Barby expresses deep gratitude for her dedicated team of volunteers and the generous public who help keep the sanctuary thriving. “I know I’m getting older so I know my limitations,” she reflects. “I don’t deal with the big animals anymore, but I still get up every morning to feed all the cats and see them all. It’s a good life.”

Barby Keel’s unwavering dedication to animals is a beautiful reminder of the goodness in our world. Her sanctuary is not just a refuge for animals, but a vibrant testament to love, compassion, and the joy of giving.