Bindi Irwin, daughter of Aussie legend, conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin, recently underwent emergency surgery following a ruptured appendix. The medical emergency forced her to miss the annual gala held in honor of her late father on Saturday (May 10). Her brother, Robert Irwin, confirmed the news to PEOPLE.
“She’s going to be okay, but surgery was definitely not something we expected,” Robert shared during the event in Las Vegas.
He added, “She just recovered from endometriosis, and now this happens. It really goes to show how vital health is.”
Bindi, 26, who had undergone surgery for endometriosis just two months earlier in March 2023, had initially planned to attend the gala despite her ongoing health challenges, according to Robert.
“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 said. “But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out.’ Health has to come first.”
Bindi’s mother, Terri, also missed the event honoring her late husband in order to help her daughter recover, according to Robert.
“She’s very sad,” he said about Bindi. “She’s devastated that she and Mom can’t be here, but I know she’ll make a speedy recovery.”
Both Bindi and Robert have continued their father’s legacy as passionate conservationists and zookeepers. Despite her setback, Bindi’s resilience and dedication to her family’s mission remain evident, ensuring Steve’s legacy endures.
