Bindi Irwin Rushed to Surgery After Appendix Burst Misses Steve Irwin Gala in Vegas

Bindi Irwin faced a serious medical emergency over the weekend that forced her to miss one of the most meaningful events of the year — the Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas.

The 26-year-old conservationist and daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, was rushed into emergency surgery after suffering a ruptured appendix. Her brother, Robert Irwin, shared the shocking update during the gala, confirming that Bindi had traveled to Vegas but began experiencing intense pain.

“She planned to attend no matter what,” Robert told PEOPLE. “Even in pain, she said she’d push through. But the doctors said the appendix had to come out immediately.”

Their mother, Terri Irwin, stayed behind with Bindi at the hospital, missing the event alongside her daughter. The annual gala raises funds for the family’s organization, Wildlife Warriors, which continues Steve Irwin’s global conservation legacy.

This isn’t Bindi’s first health struggle. In 2023, she opened up about her battle with endometriosis, undergoing surgery and using her platform to spread awareness. Her advocacy was recognized in May 2024 when she received the EndoFound Blossom Award — becoming the first international recipient.