Bindi Irwin ‘doing so much better’ after endometriosis battle, family says at Steve Irwin Gala

Key facts

• Bindi Irwin, 27, has been battling endometriosis for over a decade and was diagnosed after years of being told it was 'part of being a woman'.
• She underwent surgery to remove 50 lesions over the past three years.
• Her mother Terri and brother Robert spoke at the 3rd Annual Steve Irwin Gala at the Bellagio in Las Vegas on May 2.
• Bindi missed the gala because travel is 'a bit challenging' for her at the moment.
• She is staying close to home and has resumed wildlife conservation work, including feeding crocodiles.
• Australia Zoo has 500 staff and manages 500,000 acres of conservation land.
• Bindi shares 5-year-old daughter Grace with husband Chandler Powell.

A family update from the Las Vegas gala

Robert Irwin and his mother Terri Irwin delivered a reassuring health update on Bindi Irwin during the 3rd Annual Steve Irwin Gala at the Bellagio in Las Vegas on May 2. In an exclusive interview, Terri told E! News that Bindi is 'doing so much better now' amid her ongoing battle with endometriosis. Bindi, 27, was absent from the family’s flagship fundraising event because travel remains difficult for her. 'So, 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. The family stressed that Bindi was at the gala 'in spirit' and has returned to her conservation duties.

Return to conservation work at Australia Zoo

Despite her health challenges, Bindi has resumed hands-on work at Australia Zoo, including feeding crocodiles. 'This year she’s just staying a little close to home,' Terri added. 'So, ironically, it’s less taxing for her to be home feeding crocodiles.' Robert noted the scale of the family’s operation: 'You gotta remember [in] Australia Zoo there’s 500 in our team. There’s about 500,000 acres of conservation land that we have. Someone’s got to hold down the fort. So, Bindi’s doing a great job at that.' The zoo and conservation properties require constant attention, and Bindi’s return to work signals a significant improvement in her condition.

A decade of undiagnosed pain and surgery

Bindi has been open about her struggle with endometriosis, a reproductive disorder that causes severe pain. In a March 30 Instagram post, she described the 'inescapable pain' of having 50 lesions 'cut out' of her body over the past three years. She wrote that she spent 10 years undiagnosed after being told by doctors that her symptoms were 'just part of being a woman.' 'As a teenager and young woman, I felt weak and deeply insecure. I was trapped in my own body,' she said. Bindi hopes her story can inspire other women to seek answers and not suffer in silence. 'No one deserves to suffer in silence,' she wrote. '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.'

Carrying on Steve Irwin’s legacy

Robert emphasized that his father Steve Irwin’s conservation legacy is more important than ever. 'Dad’s legacy’s never been more important because we all know there are big issues that face the planet,' he said. 'Environmentally, we’ve kind of got a bit of an uphill battle right now in our generation. But it’s important not to lose sight of hope. There’s always hope if we can work together.' The 22-year-old added that keeping 'that sense of passion, positivity, philanthropy and conservation' alive is both an honor and crucial for the future. The Irwin family continues to manage Australia Zoo and its vast conservation lands, a responsibility that Bindi is now able to share again.

What lies ahead for Bindi Irwin

While Bindi’s health is improving, the family indicated that she will continue to limit travel and focus on work close to home. Terri confirmed that Bindi plans to attend next year’s gala, suggesting a gradual return to public events. Bindi, who shares 5-year-old daughter Grace with husband Chandler Powell, has not yet commented publicly on the latest update. The Irwins’ update comes as Bindi’s openness about endometriosis has resonated with many women. Her willingness to share her journey has sparked conversations about the condition and the importance of early diagnosis. For now, the family’s message is one of cautious optimism: Bindi is doing better, but her recovery remains a work in progress.

The bottom line

• Bindi Irwin is recovering well from endometriosis and has resumed conservation work at Australia Zoo.
• She missed the Steve Irwin Gala due to travel difficulties but is expected to attend next year.
• Bindi underwent surgery to remove 50 lesions over three years after a decade of being undiagnosed.
• The Irwin family continues to manage a large conservation enterprise with 500 staff and 500,000 acres of land.
• Robert and Terri emphasized the importance of carrying on Steve Irwin’s legacy of hope and conservation.
• Bindi’s public battle with endometriosis has encouraged other women to seek medical help and not suffer in silence.