Bindi Irwin just dropped a major update that explains why she unexpectedly missed the Steve Irwin Gala on Saturday, May 10, and it’s serious.
In a video posted to Instagram on Monday, May 12, the 26-year-old conservationist filmed herself from her hospital bed and shared that her appendix had ruptured and required immediate surgery.
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But that wasn’t all doctors found. Bindi revealed she also had 14 new endometriosis lesions removed during the operation, and they even took care of a hernia she’d been dealing with for four years, one she got during childbirth. “I had my appendix removed. I also had 14 new endometriosis lesions that had to be removed, and they kindly stitched up my hernia as well,” she said in the clip. “I’m sorry if I’m a little out of it in this video. I just wanted you to know that I am on the road to recovery, one step at a time.”
She thanked her medical team, especially Dr. Tamer Seckin and Dr. Chu at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, where the surgery took place. Bindi said she had been struggling with a “grumbly appendix” for months but pushed through the discomfort until the day of the gala. She flew to New York at the last minute after consulting with Dr. Seckin, who also offered to check for more endometriosis, something she was all too familiar with.
“Surgery was a success,” she wrote in the caption. “My appendix was removed, along with another 14 lesions (after having 37 endometriosis lesions and a cyst removed two years ago). I also had a repair to a large hernia I acquired through childbirth four years ago.”
Bindi didn’t sugarcoat how tough it’s been but made it clear she’s staying optimistic. She expressed how thankful she was for the overwhelming support, especially since she couldn’t attend the gala in person. “I appreciate all the kind messages I’ve received and the support for our gala in Las Vegas,” she wrote.
She gave a heartfelt shout-out to her brother, Robert Irwin, 21, who hosted the annual Steve Irwin Gala in her absence. “Credit to Robert for hosting the evening; he did such an incredible job raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors,” she shared. Bindi also thanked her husband, Chandler Powell; their 3-year-old daughter, Grace; and her mom, Terri Irwin, for always being by her side. “I have so much love for dear Chandler & sweet Grace. Thank you to Mum for being there with me every step of the way.”
At the gala, Robert told PEOPLE just how intense things were before she had to go into surgery. “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,” he said. “But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s got to come out.’ Health has to come first.”
Bindi first revealed her struggle with endometriosis back in March 2023, posting on Instagram that she’d suffered from 10 years of debilitating symptoms before finally getting diagnosed. That initial surgery two years ago led to the removal of 37 lesions and a cyst. Unfortunately, the condition returned, but she’s not letting it stop her.
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Now, Bindi is taking time to rest and recover, surrounded by love and well wishes from fans and family alike. She’s still healing, but her strength and openness are already inspiring others who might be going through the same thing.
