WASHINGTON — Bindi Irwin shared a health update on Monday following her absence from the annual Steve Irwin Gala. 

In an Instagram video shared on Monday, the 26-year-old revealed that she had undergone surgery to remove her appendix.

“I just wanted to thank you so much for your incredible well wishes,” Irwin said whilst in her hospital bed. “I just got out of surgery about an hour ago. I had my appendix removed. I also had 14 new endometriosis lesions that had to be removed.” 

She added that the doctors also stitched up “a large hernia I acquired through childbirth four years ago.” 

“I just wanted you to know that I am on the road to recovery, one step at a time. I am so lucky to have so much love in my life from my beautiful family,” she continued. “Sending love and light your way and we’ll get through this.”

Irwin was absent from the Steve Irwin Gala held in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 10. Her brother, Robert, told People on Saturday that his sister was feeling ill and had to get her appendix removed. 

“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 the outlet, “But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out.’ Health has to come first.”

“She’s very sad. She’s devastated that she and Mom can’t be here, but I know she’ll make a speedy recovery,” he told the outlet on Saturday. 

In her caption, the 26-year-old explained thanked her doctors at the Lennox Hospital in New York City. 

“I am so thankful that I got the help I needed with Dr. Seckin and Dr. Chu at Lenox Hill Hospital. After many months of a grumbly appendix, I finally had to seek help the day of our Steve Irwin Gala. 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,” she said. “Thankfully, I am on the road to recovery. I appreciate all the kind messages I’ve received, and the support for our Gala in Las Vegas. Credit to Robert for hosting the evening, he did such an incredible job raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors.”

Irwin went on to thank her family for the support.

“And thanks to my family for always being there for me. I have so much love for dear Chandler & sweet Grace,” she added. “Thank you to Mum for being there with me every step of the way. And rest assured, I’ll see you at the next Steve Irwin Gala in Brisbane this November. One day at a time. Time to heal now. Sending my love to you all.”

Irwin revealed in 2023 that she was diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, according to the Cleveland Clinic. When these tissues grow in the wrong places it causes painful symptoms.

At the time, Irwin said that she struggled with nausea, fatigue and pain for a decade before receiving her diagnosis. Two years ago, the 26-year-old had 37 endometriosis lesions, and a cyst removed.