News Animals

This marine biologist discovered a unique blue whale population in Sri Lanka

Asha de Vos is also dedicated to educating her compatriots about the ocean

A headshot of Asha de Vos, a marine biologist from Sri Lanka. She is staring right into the camera and her black hair is tied to the back. She is wearing a purple puffy jacket and standing in front of the ocean.

Growing up, Asha de Vos was taught to fear the ocean. But secondhand National Geographic magazines turned that fear into awe.

Spencer Lowell, Wired © Condé Nast

By Sandy Ong

Pooping whales changed the course of Asha de Vos’ career.

The Sri Lankan marine biologist was aboard a research vessel near her home island in 2003 when she spotted six blue whales congregating.