Brighten Your Day

90-Year-Old Woman Has Rescued Over 10,000 Animals - And She’s Still Not Retiring

May 1, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Sussex, England.

At 90 years old, Barby Keel is living proof that compassion knows no age limit. Over the past 54 years, she has dedicated her life to rescuing animals in need—saving an estimated 10,000 from neglect, abuse, and abandonment through the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Sussex, England.

Barby Keel / YouTube (SWNS)

What started with a simple favor in the 1970s—caring for a soldier’s dog while he was stationed in Northern Ireland—turned into a lifelong mission. The dog never left, and soon Barby was asked to take in a few cats. Decades later, her sanctuary now spans 12 acres and is home to more than 600 animals, including 160 cats, 100 chickens, 80 rabbits, 16 pigs, eight dogs, and even six horses.

“In the beginning, I had about 40 cats,” she said. “Then I started taking in sheep, goats, pigs, and cows.”

Barby spent the first 20 years running the sanctuary entirely on her own, and today she is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who help care for animals rescued from farms, abusive homes, or abandonment. Despite having faced cancer three times, she still wakes at 7 a.m. every day to care for her beloved animals and says she “never” takes a day off.

“Some days I am shattered—it’s hard work,” she said. “But then I get a little nose boop or a face peer up at me, and I remember why I’m doing this. My animals come first and always will.”

Her unwavering dedication has even come at personal cost. Barby once ended a long-term relationship after being told to choose between her partner and the animals. Her response? “I packed his bags.”

Today, the sanctuary is a nonprofit that relies entirely on public donations. It recently reopened to the public and welcomes visitors every Sunday through October 2025, free of charge. Guests can meet the animals, visit the café and gift shop, and learn more about the lives that have been saved.

Barby also uses her own pension to buy pet food in bulk, which she resells at low prices to help struggling pet owners.

“I’m so thankful for my brilliant team of volunteers and all the kind people who support us,” she said. “I know I can’t do everything anymore, but I still get up early to feed the cats and check on them all. It’s a lovely life.”

Her secret to staying strong? “Hard work and a breakfast of beans every morning.”

Meet Barby in the video below: