First ever drone footage captures humpback whale birth off Australian coast

A rare birth of a humpback whale has been captured on video for the first time by a drone off the coast of Kingscliff, New South Wales, Australia, on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The footage was recorded by Alex Forrest, a volunteer for the Organization for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA), who initially suspected a predator attack when he observed the whale moving unusually slowly and spotted red discoloration in the water.

Seconds later, a newborn calf surfaced, confirming the birth. The drone was operated at a distance of over 100 meters, adhering to state wildlife protection regulations. Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, a whale researcher at Macquarie University, described the event as a significant milestone for marine biology. This unique documentation provides scientists with unprecedented data regarding the reproductive habits of these mammals in their natural environment.

While this footage is a world first, it serves as a valuable resource for ongoing research into cetacean behavior. Experts hope that further analysis of this material will help refine understanding of migration and reproductive patterns, contributing to the broader conservation efforts of marine wildlife.