The 26-year-old, a beloved and familiar presence at the annual gala, was notably absent this year due to an unexpected health crisis.
Bindi Irwin was forced to sit out the Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas, an event held in honor of her late father. During the Saturday, May 10 gathering, her younger brother Robert Irwin revealed that she had recently undergone surgery.
The announcement came as a surprise to many attendees, as Robert, 21, explained that Bindi had suffered a ruptured appendix, which required immediate surgery. “She’s going to be OK, but surgery — out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them,” he added.
Bindi’s brother revealed that she had been determined to attend the event. “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,” shared Robert.
Despite her efforts to stay involved, medical professionals advised immediate surgery, prioritizing her health over her plans. The decision meant both Bindi and her mother, Terri Irwin, had to miss the event, a disappointment that weighed heavily on them.
Robert emphasized that while the situation was alarming, Bindi is expected to make a full recovery, with Terri remaining by her side to support her every step of the way.
Appendicitis, which led to Bindi’s emergency, is a serious condition marked by inflammation of the appendix. If left untreated, the appendix can rupture, spreading infection throughout the abdominal cavity, a complication that can become life-threatening without timely surgical intervention.
Despite her unexpected absence, Bindi’s family’s presence at the event served as a reminder of their resilience and the strong bond that continues to honor Steve Irwin’s legacy.
Furthermore, her excitement for the gala was evident when she shared new photos on Instagram just a day before the event, posing with her mom and brother in Las Vegas as they prepared to celebrate her late father’s legacy.
She captioned the post, “Khaki by day – Bellagio chic by night! ✨ Here in #LasVegas for the #SteveIrwinGala raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors. 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.”
Supporters have also flooded social media with warm wishes, expressing their concern and hopes for Bindi’s speedy recovery.
One concerned supporter didn’t hold back their sympathy, writing, “Get well soon. I know how dangerous and scary this is.” Another person empathized deeply with her ordeal, “It’s such a painful experience 😢.”
A heartbroken admirer shared their sadness and relief in the same breath, “This is so sad! Get well soon! Happy your still with us 😍.” And someone else sent comforting wishes, “Get well soon, praying for you.”
This incident follows Bindi’s recent recovery from endometriosis, highlighting the ongoing health challenges she has faced.
Bindi has been open about these struggles, first sharing her endometriosis diagnosis on Instagram in March 2023 and opening up further about the condition in various media interviews.
In May 2024, she made history as the first international recipient of the EndoFound Blossom Award at the organization’s 12th Annual Blossom Ball in New York City.
Robert is proud of his sister, saying, “Bindi has become an incredible advocate for women’s health, particularly, and I think it’s really important to prioritize getting help.”
Back in February 2025, Bindi offered another glimpse into her long-standing health struggles, revealing that she had spent over a decade feeling seriously unwell before receiving an endometriosis diagnosis.
Speaking on the “A Life of Greatness” podcast, she reflected on the years she endured symptoms in silence, with only her immediate family, her husband Chandler Powell, her mother, and her brother aware of the extent of her condition.
At the time, she described how the illness impacted nearly every part of her daily life. Bindi also highlighted how widespread endometriosis is and pointed out the lack of open conversation around the condition despite its impact on so many lives.
