A listener to the sounds of nature

Naturalist Aslak Ermala, who devoted decades to studying nature, died in Lohja on June 18, 2026, aged 83. He was born in Helsinki on December 26, 1942.

He grew up during the war in a family rich in artistic and practical abilities. His mother, Mumi, was a skilled pianist, poet and storyteller, while his father, Onni Johannes, was a versatile architect. The family spent much of its time at Pihkapirtti by Lake Räävelinjärvi in Heinola rural municipality, including during the cold war winters and the difficult years of the Helsinki bombings.

Stories, games, handicrafts, poetry, music and an open attitude toward the environment shaped Ermala's childhood. As a young man, he challenged what he saw as an overly rigid school system. He became familiar with computing as a work tool as early as the 1960s and later built numerous models from balsa wood.

The Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute became the center of his professional life. He enthusiastically reported on international meetings that eventually led to the creation of the Environment Ministry. His work also included extensive scientific publishing, notably the book Suomen eläimet. Alongside his scientific career, he served as a building manager and collected antique furniture. For these activities, he received a civil defense medal of merit.

Nature's sounds held a special place in Ermala's life. He listened to birds and interpreted their calls, treating the environment as a place of communication. The obituary closes with the image of a man who seemed to listen for senses people may not use, and who counted a bear in Kuusamo among his friends.