Barby Keel with some of her animals – credit SWNS

A 90-year-old Englishwoman who owns an animal rescue sanctuary has reportedly rescued 10,000 animals from abuse or abandonment.

Barby Keel has dedicated 54 years to running the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Sussex, UK, a long journey that she admits won’t come to an end anytime soon, provided she can stay on her feet.

Keel’s story began in the 1970s, when a British army soldier stationed in Northern Ireland asked her to watch his dog while he was deployed.

Whatever gravitational pull attracts animals to certain individuals, Keel’s was so strong that the dog decided to stay.

She took in another dog before a charity called the Bexhill Cats Club asked her to take in some cats. Fast-forward 50 years and she looks after more than 600 animals including 160 cats, 16 pigs, 8 dogs, 6 horses, 100 chickens, and 80 rabbits.

“Before long I had about 40 cats, and started taking in farm animals like sheep, cows, pigs, and goats,” she told the SWNS media outlet.

“Some of the animals are re-homed, liked the cats, dogs, and some rabbits, but the majority of them will stay on the farm and live out their days here.”

The 12-acre sanctuary, which she ran for 20 years all by herself but now manages with a “motley” crew of volunteers, provides a refuge for hundreds of abandoned, rescued, or abused animals from farms, kennels, or private owners.

Keel tends to the animals daily, and only leaves the sanctuary every few weeks to go shopping or play for the local male darts team. In fact, despite her advanced age, she “never” takes a day off.

Despite having battled cancer three times, the animal-lover says she has “no plans” to slow down or retire.

Barby Keel admits that a ‘nose boop’ can keep her going when she’s too tired to continue the work – credit SWNS

“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.”

That promise included ending a long-term relationship on their behalf, after her ex-partner gave her an ultimatum: ‘me or the animals.’

HERE AT HOME: 700 Cats Rescued After TikTok User Finds a Texas Tabby–and Rescues a Sanctuary in Trouble

The Barby Keel Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization and runs entirely on donations. It has recently re-opened to the public and will be free to visit every Sunday until October 2025 where guest can see the animals, or visit the café, souvenir shop, or vivarium.

“We also run a shop on site, and I buy bulk food with my pension money and sell it for cheap, so people can afford to feed their pets,” she said. “It was packed for the reopening, which was amazing.”

MORE ANIMAL LOVERS AND THEIR STORIES: When Dog Shelter Makes Appeal for Homes as Temps Plummet Below Zero People Arrive in Droves

“I’m so grateful to my motley crew of volunteers—they keep everything running—and the generous public,” Keel said. “I know I’m getting older so I know my limitations.”

“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.”

SHARE This Woman’s Dedication With Your Animal Loving Friends…