Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video

In a remarkable first, the birth of a humpback whale has been captured on drone video off the coast of New South Wales, Australia. The footage, filmed Tuesday, shows the water turn bloody before a newborn calf emerges to take its first breath.

Wildlife photographer Alexander Forrest was documenting whales during their northbound migration when he noticed an adult female exhibiting unusual behavior. He described the moment as extraordinary, stating, "It's a privilege to have witnessed such a remarkable moment, and even more rewarding to know it may contribute to marine mammal science for years to come."

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It's a privilege to have witnessed such a remarkable moment, and even more rewarding to know it may contribute to marine mammal science for years to come.

Forrest was accompanied by members of the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA). They monitored the mother and calf for several hours, collecting crucial observations during the calf's initial life stages. ORRCA noted that "Every observation like this has the potential to expand our understanding of humpback whale reproduction, maternal behaviour and the earliest stages of a calf's life."

This event marks the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film globally and the first captured by drone. Humpback whales were listed as endangered in the U.S. in the 1970s due to commercial whaling, though conservation efforts have led to some recovery. NOAA reports that four out of 14 distinct population segments are still protected as endangered, with one listed as threatened.

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Every observation like this has the potential to expand our understanding of humpback whale reproduction, maternal behaviour and the earliest stages of a calf's life.