Bindi Irwin has sparked concerns from fans after she failed to attend the third annual Steve Irwin Gala again this year.
The former Dancing with the Stars winner also missed the gala event last year due to a ruptured appendix.
While attending the star-studded event, Bindi’s mother, Terri, confirmed to E! News that her daughter would not be in attendance due to her ongoing health struggles and was, instead, staying in Queensland.
“Bindi is doing so much better now,” the mum-of-two told the publication, referencing her much-publicised and long-running battle with endometriosis.
“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 that Bindi would be staying Down Under to look after the family’s Australia Zoo, which needed a safe pair of hands to take care of it in their absence.
“So, ironically, it’s less taxing for her to be home feeding crocodiles,” she laughed.
Her brother, Robert Irwin, then explained: “You gotta remember (in) Australia Zoo there’s 500 in our team. (There are) 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.”
Bindi recently shared an update on her health, reflecting on her journey post-diagnosis.
“In the last three years, I’ve had over 50 endometriosis lesions cut out of my body”, she began.
“A chocolate cyst that was adhering my ovary to my side was removed. An appendectomy and a hernia repair. I’ve felt indescribable, inescapable pain.”
“Trying to keep my invisible illness to myself after being told by doctors it was just “part of being a woman.” I spent 10 years being undiagnosed. As a teenager and young woman, I felt weak and deeply insecure. I was trapped in my own body”, she continued.
“March is endometriosis awareness month. As this month comes to a close, I urge everyone to remember this invisible disease each and every day. To lend support, compassion and grace towards the millions who suffer. It’s up to all of us to raise awareness, not just for endometriosis but for women’s health as a whole. No one deserves to suffer in silence. For more information I turned to @seckinmd and @endofound.”
“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,” she added.