Bindi Irwin is currently in hospital after undergoing emergency surgery.
The 26-year-old was expected to attend the annual Steve Irwin Gala on May 10, 2025 in Las Vegas.
But she was a no-show.
Her brother Robert Irwin explained the absence, saying Bindi’s appendix started to rupture right before the gala started.
“She’s going to be okay, but surgery; out of all the things we were ready for, that was not one of them,” Robert told People.
“She’s just come out the other side of endometriosis and now the appendix goes… Health is so important; it really is,” he continued.
“Bindi has become an incredible advocate for women’s health, particularly, and I think it’s really important to prioritise getting help.”
According to Robert – who’s set to compete on the US Dancing with Stars later this year – Bindi was determined to attend this year’s Steve Irwin gala despite her appendix bursting but doctors advised against it.
“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,’” the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! co-host said.
“But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out. Health has to come first.’ She’s very sad. She’s devastated that she and Mum can’t be here, but I know she’ll make a speedy recovery.”
For context, Terri Irwin also missed the gala so she could be with Bindi during her surgery and recovery.
The Steve Irwin Gala has been held annually since 2014.
It serves as a fundraiser for Wildlife Warriors, the conservation charity founded by Steve and Terri in 2002.
