At 90 years old, Barby Keel shows no sign of slowing down. For more than half a century, she has devoted her life to rescuing animals, running a sanctuary in Sussex, UK, and providing a safe haven for creatures abandoned, abused, or neglected. Over the course of 54 years, Keel has saved an astonishing 10,000 animals—a testament to her tireless dedication and unwavering compassion.

Keel’s journey began in the 1970s, in a quiet, unassuming way. A British army soldier stationed in Northern Ireland asked her to look after his dog while he was deployed. That dog, however, had other plans. Drawn by a bond that seemed almost magnetic, it chose to stay with Keel. From that small beginning, a lifelong calling was born.

Before long, another dog joined the household, and soon after, the Bexhill Cats Club reached out to her for help with some cats. One rescue led to another, and within a few years, Keel’s modest home began to overflow with animals in need. Today, her 12-acre Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary houses over 600 residents: 160 cats, 16 pigs, eight dogs, six horses, 100 chickens, 80 rabbits, and a variety of other creatures. Many of these animals find new homes, but for most, the sanctuary is a permanent refuge—a place where they can live out their days in safety and dignity.

Running the sanctuary is no small feat. For 20 years, Keel managed it entirely on her own. Now, she oversees a “motley” crew of volunteers who help with daily operations, but she remains at the heart of everything. Every morning, she rises to feed the cats, tend to the farm animals, and ensure her charges are healthy and cared for. She leaves only rarely, for shopping trips or to join the local male darts team, and even then, her mind remains on the sanctuary. “I never take a day off,” she admits, a simple statement that belies the incredible energy and commitment behind it.

Keel’s dedication is fueled by love, resilience, and a few small gestures that keep her going. “Some days I am shattered—it’s hard work,” she says. “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.” This devotion has shaped not just her life, but her relationships. When faced with an ultimatum from a long-term partner—“me or the animals”—Keel chose her sanctuary family without hesitation.

Despite having battled cancer three times, Keel has no plans to slow down. The sanctuary is a nonprofit, entirely supported by donations, and recently reopened to the public, offering free visits every Sunday until October 2025. Guests can see the animals, visit the café, shop for souvenirs, or explore the vivarium. Keel also runs a small on-site shop, buying pet food in bulk with her pension and selling it at low prices so pet owners can afford to feed their animals. The reopening drew a packed crowd, a testament to the community’s support and gratitude.

Reflecting on her decades of work, Keel is both humble and realistic. She acknowledges her limitations, particularly with larger animals, but continues to rise each morning to care for the cats. “It’s a good life,” she says, a quiet affirmation of a life spent in service, love, and unwavering dedication. For Barby Keel, the sanctuary is not just a place—it’s a lifelong mission, a home for the voiceless, and a legacy of compassion that has touched thousands of lives, human and animal alike.