Bindi Irwin Skips Steve Irwin Gala After Sudden Health Scare: ‘Priority on Well-being,’ Confirms Brother

NEED TO KNOW

• Bindi Irwin and her mother, Terri Irwin, were unable to attend the annual Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas on May 10 due to Bindi, aged 26, undergoing an emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix.
• “It was unexpected, but she will recover. Surgery was certainly not on our radar,” Bindi’s brother, Robert Irwin, disclosed to PEOPLE at the event.
• In March 2023, Bindi announced that she had been diagnosed with endometriosis, having suffered from severe symptoms for over a decade.

Bindi Irwin had to skip this year’s Steve Irwin Gala due to a serious health issue, her brother Robert Irwin revealed.

Speaking at the Las Vegas event on Saturday, May 10, Robert, 21, stated that his elder sister, 26, was in surgery following an appendix rupture.

“She’s going to be okay, but the surgery was unexpected,” Robert exclusively told PEOPLE. He added that their mother, Terri Irwin, 60, also missed the gala — which honors their late father, Steve Irwin — to assist Bindi in her recovery.

“After just overcoming endometriosis, now she faces this new health challenge,” the ‘Crikey! It’s the Irwins’ star shared, emphasizing the importance of health.

“Bindi has become a significant advocate for women’s health, and it’s crucial to prioritize seeking help,” Robert further explained to PEOPLE.

Bindi first shared her endometriosis diagnosis in a detailed Instagram post in March 2023, and later discussed her health struggles in a PEOPLE cover story in August that year. The following May, she was honored with the 2024 EndoFound Blossom Award at EndoFound’s 12th Annual Blossom Ball in New York City for her advocacy.

Robert shared that Bindi initially intended to attend the gala despite her condition. “She came to Las Vegas, ready to endure the gala despite severe discomfort. She wanted to push through, but the surgeon insisted on surgery, emphasizing that health must always come first,” he explained.

“It’s disappointing for her and Mom to miss out, but I’m confident she’ll recover quickly,” he added.

Appendicitis, as described by the Mayo Clinic, involves inflammation of the appendix and often necessitates surgical removal. A ruptured appendix can spread infection throughout the abdomen, posing severe risks.

Just before the gala, Bindi posted new photos on Instagram with her mom and brother in Las Vegas, preparing for the event dedicated to her late father. “Khaki by day — Bellagio chic by night! Here in #LasVegas for the #SteveIrwinGala raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors,” she captioned. “Thank you to everyone supporting conservation and celebrating Dad’s extraordinary legacy.”

Earlier in February, Bindi updated her followers about her health struggles experienced over more than a decade. On the Feb. 3 episode of the ‘A Life of Greatness’ podcast, she opened up about dealing with undisclosed health issues for years. “Only my closest family knew of my severe condition, which hindered my daily life behind closed doors,” she revealed, highlighting the widespread issue of endometriosis and the often delayed diagnosis and treatment that many women endure.

“I spent years undiagnosed as doctors attributed my symptoms to various other conditions. It took a long time to find the correct help, a story many women know too well,” she shared on the podcast. “I’m thankful to be past surgery now, and while there’s no cure for endometriosis, the procedure gives me a better chance at managing the symptoms,” Bindi added, acknowledging the potential need for future surgeries.