Bindi Irwin is on the road to recovery after a medical emergency forced her to miss this year’s Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas.
The wildlife conservationist and daughter of late Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin posted a video to social media Monday of her in a hospital bed an hour after undergoing surgery, which she described as successful.
“After many months of a grumbly appendix, I finally had to seek help the day of our Steve Irwin Gala,” Bindi wrote alongside the video. “After consulting with Dr. Seckin, we agreed that if I flew to New York, he could also check for endometriosis again. Surgery was a success. 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.”
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Bindi Irwin at the 2024 Steve Irwin Gala
The Animal Planet star went on to share her gratitude for the “kind messages” she’s received, and give props to her family — younger brother Robert Irwin, husband Chandler Powell, daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, and mom Terri Irwin — for supporting her and holding down the fort during in Vegas this past weekend.
“Credit to Robert for hosting the evening, he did such an incredible job raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors,” Bindi wrote. “And thanks to my family for always being there for me. I have so much love for dear Chandler & sweet Grace. Thank you to Mum for being there with me every step of the way.”
Concluding her message to fans, she vowed to attend the Steve Irwin Gala in Brisbane, Australia, later this year, adding, “One day at a time. Time to heal now. Sending my love to you all.”
Bindi first disclosed her endometriosis diagnosis on Instagram in 2023. The following May, she became the first international figure to receive the EndoFound Blossom Award.
According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis “is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis.”
Bindi’s brother told PEOPLE on Saturday that she’d be missing the gala honoring their father’s legacy to have surgery for a ruptured appendix.
“She’s going to be OK, but surgery — out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them,” the upcoming Dancing With the Stars competitor said. “She’s just come out the other side of endometriosis and now the appendix goes… Health is so important — it really is.”
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A day before the gala, Bindi posted photos on Instagram posing with her mom and brother in Las Vegas as they prepared for the festivities.
“Khaki by day — Bellagio chic by night! Here in #LasVegas for the #SteveIrwinGala raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors,” Bindi wrote. “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.”
Sadly, things didn’t work out the way Bindi was hoping.
“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,'” Robert told PEOPLE. “But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out.’ Health has to come first.”
He added, “She’s very sad. She’s devastated that she and Mom can’t be here, but I know she’ll make a speedy recovery.”
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