---
title: "Rare humpback whale birth documented on drone for first time"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/82183/rare-humpback-whale-birth-documented-on-drone-for-first-time
published: 2026-08-02T05:30:00Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "International"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Rare humpback whale birth documented on drone for first time

> Nature photographer Alexander Forrest, 20, was tracking the annual humpback whale migration when he inadvertently captured an exceedingly rare marine event.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/7d91ccba-f6c7-4971-a8fe-0c52b89e5a2d.jpg)

Nature photographer Alexander Forrest, 20, was tracking the annual humpback whale migration when he inadvertently captured an exceedingly rare marine event.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/5c8ebe6f-4524-47c1-846c-f5ece58c26bd.jpg)

While monitoring the whales, Forrest spotted an individual swimming noticeably slower in shallow waters. Upon deploying his drone to inspect the scene, his footage revealed an intense crimson plume filling the water.

His immediate reaction was to fear a predator attack. However, clarity came moments later when a grey calf surfaced beside the mother.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/6d7b9fc8-7726-4a2f-86eb-f4965cc2de37.jpg)

*"It was incredible,"* Forrest shared on social media. *"The adrenaline was rushing, and the emotions of that moment translated directly into the footage."*

Representatives from the Organization for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) confirmed that Forrest's footage marks only the fourth fully documented recording of a humpback whale birth in history, and the first ever captured via drone.

Forrest expressed gratitude for the encounter, noting his excitement that the footage will directly contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/68bd2281-7173-41d8-8fd6-51473ce7f2d1.jpg)