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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video: "A remarkable moment"
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- For the first time, a humpback whale birth was captured via drone off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, showing the newborn calf emerging and taking its first breath.
- Wildlife photographer Alexander Forrest recorded the event during a northbound whale migration after noticing unusual behavior from an adult female whale.
- The footage, believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever filmed and the first by drone, offers valuable insights into whale reproduction and early calf life.
- ORRCA and Forrest monitored the mother and calf for several hours, aiming to contribute to marine mammal science and enhance understanding of humpback whales.
- Humpback whales were once endangered due to commercial whaling, with protections established since the 1970s; some populations remain protected or threatened today.
