Bindi Irwin is making significant progress in her battle with endometriosis, according to her brother Robert and mother Terri, who shared an uplifting update at the 3rd Annual Steve Irwin Gala held at the Bellagio in Las Vegas on May 2.
"Bindi is doing so much better now," Terri told E! News in an exclusive joint interview with Robert. "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."
Though Bindi was not present, Terri noted that the 27-year-old wildlife conservationist, who shares 5-year-old daughter Grace with husband Chandler Powell, was there "in spirit" and has resumed her conservation work.
"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 elaborated on the scale of their operations: "You gotta remember Australia Zoo has 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."
Robert emphasized that Bindi's dedication continues the legacy of their late father, Steve Irwin. "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: "To keep that sense of passion, positivity, philanthropy and conservation alive is not only an honor personally, but I think it's crucial."
Bindi recently spoke openly about the "inescapable pain" she endured, sharing on Instagram in March that she had 50 lesions "cut out" over three years after a decade of being undiagnosed. "Trying to keep my invisible illness to myself after being told by doctors it was just 'part of being a woman,'" she wrote. "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."
Determined to inspire others, she added: "No one deserves to suffer in silence. 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."