Las Vegas — Terri Irwin offered a positive update on her daughter Bindi's health during a high-profile conservation gala honoring the legacy of her late husband, Steve Irwin, even as Bindi remained at home in Australia due to ongoing medical challenges.
The 3rd annual Steve Irwin Gala took place on Saturday, May 2, at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, drawing attention for its celebration of wildlife conservation efforts spearheaded by the Crocodile Hunter star, who died nearly two decades ago. Terri, 61, attended the event alongside her son Robert, 22, but Bindi, 27, was notably absent for the second consecutive year, citing complications from endometriosis that make extensive travel difficult.
Speaking to E! News on the red carpet, Terri shared that Bindi is doing so much better now, emphasizing her daughter's progress amid a long battle with the condition. "Things like a lot of travel are a bit challenging for her at the moment and so she’ll be here next year to celebrate this wonderful night," Terri said, standing next to Robert as they prepared to enter the gala.
The event, which marks its third year in 2026, pays tribute to Steve Irwin's lifelong dedication to animal welfare and environmental causes. Steve, who co-founded Australia Zoo with Terri, tragically died in September 2006 at age 44 following a fatal encounter with a stingray while snorkeling off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The couple had been married for 14 years at the time of his passing, leaving behind Bindi, then just 8 years old, and Robert, who was 2.
Terri also noted that Bindi, her husband Chandler Powell, and their 5-year-old daughter Grace were present at the gala in spirit. "This year she’s just staying a little close to home," Terri explained to the outlet. "So, ironically, it’s less taxing for her to be home feeding crocodiles." The comment highlighted Bindi's continued involvement in the family-run Australia Zoo, where she serves as director of wildlife conservation and often shares hands-on experiences with the animals her father championed.
Bindi's absence echoes her decision to skip the 2025 Steve Irwin Gala as well, which came just days after she underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. According to a May 2025 interview with Us Weekly, conducted one day before the procedure and the event, Bindi reflected on the toll her health issues take. "If you have good health you can do anything, but when you’re feeling unwell it’s impossible to function in life," she told the publication, underscoring the invisible struggles many face with chronic conditions.
Endometriosis, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is an often-painful disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. For Bindi, the diagnosis came after a decade of undiagnosed pain, a journey she has openly shared to raise awareness. In a progress update posted to Instagram later that May 2025, following her surgery, Bindi captioned a series of hospital recovery photos with a single word: “Healing.” She added, “Thank you for your incredible words of support and kindness. The reason I share my health journey is because more girls and women desperately need answers to their undiagnosed pain.”
Bindi's advocacy has intensified in recent months, particularly during Endometriosis Australia Awareness Month in March. In a candid Instagram post on March 31, she detailed the extent of her treatments over the past three years.
“In the last three years, I’ve had over 50 endometriosis lesions cut out of my body. A chocolate cyst that was adhering my ovary to my side was removed. An appendectomy and a hernia repair. I’ve felt indescribable, inescapable pain,”she wrote, recounting how she was initially dismissed by doctors who attributed her symptoms to "part of being a woman."
The post continued with a message of solidarity for others enduring similar ordeals.
“Trying to keep my invisible illness to myself after being told by doctors it was just ‘part of being a woman.’ I spent 10 years being undiagnosed. No one deserves to suffer in silence. For more information I turned to @seckinmd and @endofound. If you’re in pain, my heart breaks for you. I believe you. Please find answers. And don’t give up on yourself. I know how hard that can be.”Bindi's words have resonated widely, amplifying calls for better medical recognition and support for endometriosis sufferers.
Family dynamics play a central role in the Irwins' public life, with Terri, Bindi, and Robert frequently collaborating on conservation projects through the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation and Australia Zoo. Robert, who has followed in his father's footsteps as a wildlife advocate and television personality, accompanied his mother at the Las Vegas event, where attendees included celebrities and philanthropists supporting global wildlife initiatives. The gala raised funds for efforts to protect endangered species, continuing Steve's mission to educate and inspire about the natural world.
While Bindi's health has improved, according to her mother's account, the condition's flare-ups continue to influence her schedule. Travel from their Beerwah, Queensland home to international events like the gala in Las Vegas poses logistical and physical strains, especially post-surgery. Chandler Powell, an American former wakeboarder whom Bindi married in 2020, has been a steadfast supporter, often joining her in zoo operations and family posts on social media.
The Irwins' story of resilience amid personal loss and health battles has endeared them to fans worldwide. Steve's death not only shocked the entertainment and conservation communities but also thrust the family into the spotlight, with Bindi emerging as a poised advocate from a young age. Her participation in the 2015 season of Dancing With the Stars, where she won the mirrorball trophy at 17, showcased her determination even as health issues loomed in the background.
Experts in women's health, such as those affiliated with the Endometriosis Foundation of America, which Bindi referenced, stress the importance of early diagnosis to mitigate long-term effects like infertility and chronic pain. Bindi's openness aligns with broader movements pushing for research funding and policy changes, including in Australia where endometriosis affects over 700,000 women. Organizations like Endometriosis Australia have praised public figures like Bindi for destigmatizing the condition.
Looking ahead, Terri's assurance that Bindi will attend the next gala signals optimism for her recovery. The 2027 event could mark a full family reunion on the red carpet, allowing Bindi to celebrate her father's legacy in person. In the meantime, her focus remains on home-based conservation work and advocacy, ensuring the Irwin name continues to drive positive change for wildlife and human health alike.
The Steve Irwin Gala's success this year, despite Bindi's absence, underscores the enduring impact of the family's efforts. With proceeds supporting anti-poaching programs and habitat preservation, the event serves as a beacon for conservationists. As Terri and Robert carried the torch in Las Vegas, Bindi's virtual presence reminded attendees of the personal sacrifices behind the public mission.