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For Barby Keel, animal conservancy is a lifelong commitment. The British woman, who recently turned 90, has devoted over half of her life to rescuing and protecting animals of all kinds. So far, she has saved over 10,000 creatures, big and small, from abandonment and abuse. Despite her advanced age, the nonagenarian does not have plans to retire any time soon.
Keel's story of nurturing animals began in 1971, when a soldier asked her to look after his dog while he was deployed to Northern Ireland. This simple act ignited her devotion to animals and their care. In 1979, she created the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Bexhill, East Sussex, where there were only three residents under her care. Now, the sanctuary is home to over 600 furry friends, such as dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, goats, horses, and rabbits.
Given the large number of animals in the sanctuary and her current age, Kell relies on a crew of volunteers to take care of all of the animals. “I know I’m getting older so I know my limitations,” she told SWNS. “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.”
While the team has found new homes for some of the smaller animals, the majority of them are permanent residents on the 12-acre sanctuary. Keel and her team operate proudly on a no-kill policy and all of the animals are spayed or neutered. While she pays for many expenses with her pension, the sanctuary also has a café and souvenir shop guests can visit after hanging out with the animals. “It is a bit tiring but if it brings money in for the animals then that's what it's all about,” Keel told the BBC.
The woman, who has battled cancer three times, never takes a day off, although she often goes shopping for the animals' food and makes time to play with the local darts team. “Some days I am shattered—it’s hard work,” Keel 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.”
If you're in the area, the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary, is open every Sunday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., from April through October. To stay up to date with this compassionate woman and all the animals she cares for, follow the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary on Instagram.
Barby Keel, who recently turned 90, has devoted over half of her life to rescuing and protecting animals of all kinds.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
In 1979, she created the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Bexhill, East Sussex, where there only were three residents under her care.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Now, the sanctuary is home to over 600 furry friends, such as dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, goats, horses, and rabbits.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Given the large number of animals in the sanctuary and her advanced age, Keel relies on a crew of volunteers to take care of all the animals.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
“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,” Keel says. “It’s a good life.”
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary: Website | Instagram
Sources: Animal-lover, 90, reopens sanctuary to the public; 90-year-old Who Has Saved Over 10,000 Animals at Sanctuary Has No Plans to Retire; About Us section at Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary website
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