Steve Irwin’s Son Robert Irwin Undergoes Emergency Surgery for a Burst Appendix

Crikey! Robert Irwin hasn't had the best start to 2018 after needing emergency surgery this week. The wildlife photographer, 14, was rushed to the hospital to remove his "pesky appendix" but has seemed to make it out okay.

Although it was a minor surgery, anyone who's ever experienced a burst appendix would be quick to tell you it feels anything but minor at the time. Robert's Instagram post was flooded with well-wishing fans hoping for a quick recovery. "My heart literally stopped for a second, get better soon," one person wrote. No word whether his fellow wildlife photographer friend (and rumored girlfriend!) Tess Poyner has made her way to visit him at the hospital yet.

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Robert reportedly met Tess, who is also 14 years old, at the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year awards a few months ago and the two have stayed in touch since. In September, smitten Robert invited Narooma High School student Tess to stay 
with him for a week at Australia Zoo, just like his sister Bindi Irwin did with her now-boyfriend Chandler Powell in the early days of their romance!

Hopefully, Robert recovers from his surgery in time to shoot the family's new TV show which will be returning to Animal Planet this year. "We have wonderful new adventures coming to your television screen," Bindi said. "It all started in 1996 with The Crocodile Hunter, and now the Irwin family is back," their mom, Terri Irwin, added.

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"Been waiting since you guys were still small for you to grow up and bring us only what the Irwin family can bring us! Miss your dad so so much," said one commenter, voicing what we were all thinking. A spokesperson from with Discovery Communications confirmed the news, saying we can expect the series to be action-oriented and have a true sense of authenticity thanks to the kids following so naturally in their late father Steve Irwin's footsteps.

This post was written by Kate Wagner. It originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.