Bindi Irwin misses Steve Irwin Gala due to medical emergency

TV personality Bindi Irwin was forced to miss the annual Steve Irwin Gala after suffering a sudden health emergency.

TV personality Bindi Irwin was forced to miss this year’s annual Steve Irwin Gala after suffering a sudden health emergency.

Her brother Robert Irwin told People Magazine that his zookeeper sister suffered a ruptured appendix and she was rushed to hospital.

Robert, 21, attended the event in Las Vegas on Saturday night, but said his older sister, 26, was undergoing surgery.

(L-R) Robert Irwin, Bindi Irwin and Terri Irwin attend the Steve Irwin gala to support the Wildlife Warriors conservationist organization at Bellagio Resort & Casino on May 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Terri Irwin, 60, also skipped the event to be by her daughter’s side.

“She’s going to be OK, but surgery — out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them,” Robert told People.

“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,’ but the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out.’ Health has to come first.”

The gala is held annually to honour the late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.

Bindi’s medical mishap comes hot on the heels of her battle with endometriosis.

“She’s just come out the other side of endometriosis and now the appendix goes,” said Robert. “Health is so important — it really is.”

“Bindi has become an incredible advocate for women’s health, particularly, and I think it’s really important to prioritise getting help.”

In March 2023, Bindi went public on social media with her endometriosis diagnosis.

She also told a podcast, “I’m so grateful to be on the other side of surgery. There’s no cure for endometriosis but if you’re able to get surgery you have a better shot at life. Maybe in five or 10 years, I’ll have to get another surgery but for now, it’s all gone, which I’m very grateful for.”

Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin attend the Endometriosis Foundation Of America's (EndoFound) 12th Annual Blossom Ball at Gotham Hall on May 03, 2024 in New York City. Picture: Getty Images for Endometriosis Foundation of America

A year later, Bindi became the first international person to receive the 2024 EndoFound Blossom Award at EndoFound’s 12th Annual Blossom Ball in New York.

Robert said his sister was “very sad” she had to miss the gala.

“She’s devastated that she and Mum can’t be here, but I know she’ll make a speedy recovery.”