# Humpback whale birth captured by drone in Australia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/humpback-whale-birth-captured-by-drone-in-australia
> Updated: 2026-08-08T21:35:55.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, a drone operator from the non-profit Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) captured aerial footage of a humpback whale giving birth off the coast of Kingscliff, New South Wales.

The footage, recorded during a routine migration survey, documented the emergence of a newborn calf and the subsequent maternal behaviors of the pair. Researchers noted that this is the first time a humpback whale birth has been documented via drone and only the fourth time such an event has been recorded globally. The high-resolution data is being prepared for scientific peer review to assist in the study of maternal behavior and early calf development.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Drone captures first aerial footage of humpback whale birth in Australia

A drone pilot captured the first aerial footage of a humpback whale birth off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, providing scientists with rare data on maternal and newborn behavior.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drone-captures-first-aerial-footage-of-humpback-whale-birth-in-australia

### 2026-08-06: Drone Captures Rare Humpback Whale Birth off New South Wales Coast

A drone pilot in New South Wales filmed a rare humpback whale birth, providing the first complete aerial record of the event and highlighting marine research and conservation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drone-footage-captures-rare-humpback-whale-birth-off-new-south-wales-coast

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Cite as: Humpback whale birth captured by drone in Australia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/humpback-whale-birth-captured-by-drone-in-australia