What was supposed to be a touching tribute to her late father turned into a medical emergency for Bindi Irwin.

Just hours after landing in Las Vegas for a special gala event, the 26-year-old conservationist was rushed into emergency surgery after suffering a ruptured appendix.

She never made it to the event that was meant to honour her dad, Steve Irwin.

Instead, she found herself in a hospital bed with her mother, Terri Irwin, right beside her the entire time.

“We Didn’t See That Coming,” Says Brother Robert

Robert Irwin shared the scary moment with People magazine, revealing that Bindi had been in pain even before the gala.

“She was trying to push through it. She literally said, ‘I’m just going to tough it out,’” he recalled.

But when doctors examined her, it became clear something serious was going on.

“The surgeon told her, ‘Your appendix is going. It’s got to come out,’” Robert said.

The surgery went well, and Robert confirmed she’s now recovering—but admitted the whole ordeal took them by surprise.

Terri Misses the Gala to Stay with Her Daughter

Bindi wasn’t the only one who missed the gala. Terri Irwin, who had flown in for the Wildlife Warriors fundraiser, skipped the event to be with her daughter at the hospital.

Robert, however, did attend the event and represented the family.

The night was meant to celebrate their shared work in wildlife conservation, a cause that remains deeply personal for the Irwins.