Bindi Irwin rushed to Las Vegas hospital for emergency surgery forcing her to miss annual Steve Irwin Gala

Bindi Irwin has been rushed to hospital due to a medical emergency, her brother Robert Irwin revealed at the annual Steve Irwin Gala on Saturday.

The 26-year-old wildlife conservationist was hospitalised and underwent emergency surgery after her appendix ruptured, forcing her to miss the major fundraising event in Las Vegas.

“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 in an interview at the event.

“She’s just come out the other side of endometriosis and now the appendix goes.”

Robert said that Bindi was determined to “put on a brave face” to attend the gala, but the surgeon said “no, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out.”

“Health has to come first”, he added.

It was also confirmed that Bindi’s mother Terri Irwin sadly had to miss the gala to help Bindi during her recovery.

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

Only a day before the event, the wildlife conservationist shared photos with her mum and brother in the entertainment capital of the world.

“Khaki by day - Bellagio chic by night! Here in #LasVegas for the #SteveIrwinGala raising funds and awareness for Wildlife Warriors. Supporting conservation and remembering Dad’s extraordinary legacy. Enormous gratitude to everyone for your support as we continue to do all that we can to protect wildlife and wild places for the future generations,” the post read.

In March 2023, Bindi revealed on Instagram that she’d been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery four days later. It was the first time the television personality had spoken publicly about having the condition that she’d been suffering from for a decade.

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