Drone captures first-ever footage of humpback whale birth off Australia

Shortly after birth: The calf swims next to its mother. Source: Alexander Forrest/Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA)/dpa

Off the coast of Australia, a drone has filmed the birth of a humpback whale calf for the first time. The spectacular footage could now challenge existing knowledge about how these marine mammals reproduce.

World Premiere in Australian Waters

Researchers off the east coast of Australia say they have achieved a world premiere: For the first time, the birth of a humpback whale calf was captured using a drone. The rare footage was recorded on Tuesday off the coast of Kingscliff in the state of New South Wales and will now undergo scientific evaluation, according to a report by ABC citing the scientists involved.

Drone Pilot's Account

Drone pilot Alex Forrest from the whale protection organization ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) had previously observed a female humpback whale moving significantly slower than its group. Suddenly, he spotted a red cloud in the water and initially suspected a predator attack. It was only when the calf surfaced that he realized he had witnessed a birth, ABC quoted Forrest as saying.

"I hope this footage can help expand the very limited knowledge about humpback whale births," he said.

A Rare Scientific Achievement

According to ORRCA, this is only the fourth time ever that a humpback whale birth has been filmed—and the first time using a drone. The footage was captured from a distance of more than 100 meters, in compliance with Australian conservation regulations.

Expert Reaction

Marine biologist Vanessa Pirotta from Macquarie University described it as a "magical moment" for an animal that can live up to 80 years.

"The fact that this calf knew exactly what to do—namely, to come to the surface—was a very special moment."

On platform X, the expert wrote: "I have never seen footage like this. I am completely overwhelmed."

Challenging Previous Assumptions

According to experts, the discovery could also challenge previous assumptions about the reproduction of these marine mammals. It has long been believed that humpback whales give birth exclusively in tropical waters. The birth off the coast of New South Wales now suggests that this may not always be the case.

Background on Humpback Whales

Currently, thousands of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are on their annual migration along Australia's east coast toward the warmer waters in the north. There, they mate and give birth to their calves. These massive marine mammals, reaching lengths of up to 17 meters and weights of up to 40 tons, are among the largest animals on Earth.

dpa/ly