Bindi Irwin Misses Gala Honoring Late Dad Steve Irwin as Mom Terri Shares Candid Health Update
Bindi Irwin recently missed the Steve Irwin Gala for a second year in a row amid her ongoing health battle. The DWTS champ's mom, Terri Irwin, shared an honest health update on the red carpet.
On May 2, Terri, 61, and her son, Robert Irwin, 22, spoke to reporters and posed for photos ahead of the annual fundraising event in Los Angeles. The Steve Irwin Gala honors Bindi and Robert's late father, who died in 2006 after being pierced in the heart by a stingray barb.
"Bindi is doing so much better now," Terri told E! News of he 27-year-old daughter. "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."
She added, "But this year, she's just staying a little close to home. So ironically, it's less taxing for her to be home feeding crocodiles. But that's what she's doing every day in our Crocoseum."
To that, Robert pointed out, "You gotta remember, like, Australia Zoo is 500 in our team. There's about 500,000 acres of conservation land, and someone's gotta hold down the fort. So Bindi's doing a great job at that. They're with us in spirit, for sure."
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In 2025, Bindi also missed the Steve Irwin Gala after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Terri took to Instagram to share a photo of her daughter in a hospital bed and praise her strength.
"I am so proud of you, Bindi. Facing another surgery with courage and determination," the former Crocodile Hunter star began her update.
Terri continued, "Removing your appendix was expected, but also having 14 endometriosis lesions removed, and a hernia repair, was a lot. "I love you so much and I know you will recover stronger than ever. 💕."
In May 2025, Bindi shared a hopeful health update on Instagram, writing, "Healing. Thank you for your incredible words of support and kindness."
She added, "The reason I share my health journey is because more girls and women desperately need answers to their undiagnosed pain. I've battled with endometriosis for more than 12 years. This disease is crippling and can make you feel incredibly isolated."
Next: Robert Irwin Is Returning to Dancing With the Stars in a New Way
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 7:51 AM.