The Unstoppable Animal Rescue Heroine: Barby Keel’s 90-Year-Long Mission of Compassion

At 90 years young, Barby Keel is a shining example of compassion and dedication to animal welfare. For over 54 years, she has run the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Sussex, England, rescuing an estimated 10,000 animals from neglect, abuse, and abandonment. Despite facing personal challenges, including cancer three times, Barby remains committed to her life’s work, caring for over 600 animals on her 12-acre animal sanctuary.

From Humble Beginnings to Animal Rescue Legend

Barby’s animal rescue journey began in the 1970s, when she was just a young woman living in Northern Ireland. She had offered to care for a soldier’s dog while he was away on duty, and as she spent more time with the animal, she realized the depth of her own compassion and empathy. “I just fell in love with him,” she recalls. “And that was it. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life helping animals in need.”

After returning to England, Barby founded the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary on a small plot of land in Sussex. The sanctuary, which began with just 40 cats, has since grown to become a 12-acre haven for over 600 animals, including dogs, rabbits, pigs, horses, and many more. Despite the challenges she has faced, including the loss of a long-term relationship and a diagnosis of cancer not once, but three times, Barby has remained resolute in her commitment to her work.

“My animals come first and always will,” she says, her voice firm but gentle. “They rely on me for everything, and I couldn’t possibly let them down.”

A Team Effort: Building a Community of Compassion

For the first 20 years, Barby ran the sanctuary almost single-handedly, relying on the occasional help of friends and family members to care for the ever-growing menagerie. But as the sanctuary’s reputation grew, so did the number of volunteers who came forward to offer their time and support. Today, Barby is joined by a team of dedicated animal lovers who share her passion for animal welfare and her commitment to providing a safe and loving home for those in need.

A Sanctuary for All: Reopening to the Public

After a brief closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary has recently reopened its doors to the public, welcoming visitors every Sunday through October 2025. The sanctuary, which is a registered nonprofit organization, relies on public donations to continue its vital work, and Barby is thrilled to be able to share her passion with a new generation of animal lovers.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be open again,” she says, her eyes shining with excitement. “We’ve missed our visitors so much, and we can’t wait to show them all the wonderful work that’s been going on here.”

As for Barby’s secret to staying young and active at 90, she laughs and says it’s all about hard work and a good breakfast. “I have a bowl of beans every morning,” she confides. “And I never, ever give up. As long as there are animals in need, I’ll be here to help them.”

A Legacy of Compassion: Barby Keel’s LastING IMPACT

As the world grapples with the growing issue of animal cruelty and neglect, Barby Keel’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make. Through her tireless dedication to animal rescue and her unwavering commitment to animal welfare, Barby has inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps, creating a ripple effect of compassion that will be felt for generations to come.

As we look to the future, we would do well to remember Barby Keel’s example, and to strive to make a difference in our own small way. Whether it’s volunteering at a local animal shelter, adopting a rescue pet, or simply spreading the word about the importance of animal welfare, we all have the power to create a more compassionate world – one act of kindness at a time.

Sources and References:

“The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” (2020). Journal of Affective Disorders, 276, 108-116. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.04.057
“Animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted activity: A systematic review of the literature on the human-animal bond in the context of mental health.” (2019). Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(1), 3-13. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23325