Bindi Irwin Misses Steve Irwin Gala Due to Emergency Surgery
Bindi Irwin, conservationist and daughter of the late Steve Irwin, was unexpectedly absent from the annual Steve Irwin Gala held in Las Vegas. The reason for her absence was a medical emergency that required immediate surgical intervention. Her brother, Robert Irwin, revealed the details to People magazine at the event.
"She’s going to be OK, but surgery – out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them," Robert told the publication. He explained that Bindi had suffered a ruptured appendix, necessitating the urgent procedure.
The news comes shortly after Bindi underwent surgery for endometriosis, a painful condition she battled for over a decade. Robert emphasized the importance of health, particularly women’s health, and praised Bindi’s advocacy in this area.
"She’s just come out the other side of endometriosis and now the appendix goes. Health is so important – it really is. Bindi has become an incredible advocate for women’s health, particularly, and I think it’s really important to prioritize getting help."
Robert shared that Bindi had initially planned to attend the gala, despite experiencing discomfort and pain. Her determination to honor her father’s legacy and support the event was evident.
"She came to Las Vegas and was ready to come to the gala, put on a brave face in a lot of discomfort and a lot of pain and said, ‘Nope, I’m just going to tough it out, I’m going to go for it,’" he said.
However, medical professionals intervened, recognizing the severity of her condition and the need for immediate surgery.
"But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out. Health has to come first.’"
Robert conveyed Bindi’s disappointment at missing the gala, expressing her sadness at not being able to join her mother, Terri Irwin, in honoring Steve Irwin’s legacy.
"She’s very sad. She’s devastated that she and Mom can’t be here, but I know she’ll make a speedy recovery."
Despite her absence, Bindi took to social media to share photos of her family in Las Vegas, dressed in attire that honored both their conservation work and the event’s setting.
"Khaki by day – Bellagio chic by night! Here in #LasVegas for the #SteveIrwinGala raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors," she wrote on Instagram. "Supporting conservation and remembering Dad’s extraordinary legacy. Enormous gratitude to everyone for your support as we continue to do all that we can to protect wildlife and wild places for the future generations."
The Steve Irwin Gala is an annual event that raises funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors, the conservation organization founded by Steve and Terri Irwin. The organization works to protect injured, threatened, or endangered wildlife around the world.
Prior to this emergency, Bindi had openly discussed her struggles with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and potential infertility.
In 2023, she revealed her diagnosis and the surgery she underwent to treat the condition, describing the significant impact it had on her life.
"My life now looks completely different than it did before I had my surgery," Irwin told Fox News Digital. "Over the 10 years that I was really battling with endo[metriosis] without knowing it, I would get progressively worse every week and in the end, before my surgery, I was barely able to get out of bed."
She described the pain she experienced as a "stabbing feeling" and "really scary," emphasizing the challenges she faced in obtaining a proper diagnosis.
In a social media post announcing the news, Bindi shared that doctors removed 37 lesions and a "chocolate cyst" from her body. She recounted her doctor’s astonishment at her ability to endure such pain for so long.
"How did you live with this much pain?" her doctor asked.
Following the endometriosis surgery, Bindi experienced a significant improvement in her quality of life, allowing her to resume activities she had previously been unable to participate in.
"And now on the other side of surgery, I mean, I’m going for daily zoo walks with my family. I’m able to go to our management meetings and check up on our animals and do the filming work that I love and play with my daughter. And it is just so wonderful. I feel like I see the world in a new way now. I’m able to actually do things again."
She described the experience as a "second chance at life," highlighting the profound impact the surgery had on her well-being. Her openness about her health struggles has made her a strong voice for women experiencing similar issues.
While the ruptured appendix came as an unexpected setback, Bindi’s resilience and commitment to her family’s conservation legacy remain unwavering. Her brother Robert expressed confidence in her speedy recovery, and the outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers demonstrates the impact she has had on the world. Her dedication to raising awareness for wildlife conservation continues to inspire.
