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A video showed Ukrainian fitness trainer Vadym Oleynik and cosmetologist Olena Kravchenko sitting on a sea turtle in Ras Al Jinz, Oman, a renowned nesting site. Oman’s Environment Authority confirmed it is investigating the incident and has taken “legal measures” against those involved.
Oman’s Environment Authority is investigating the incident involving Vadym Oleynik and has confirmed that legal measures are being pursued against those involved. Visitors to the Ras Al Jinz area have been reminded of regulations prohibiting interaction with nesting sea turtles, emphasising the importance of observing wildlife from a safe distance.
Oman’s Environment Authority is investigating the incident involving social media influencer Vadym Oleynik and has confirmed that “legal measures” have been taken against those involved. Officials reiterated that visitors to turtle nesting sites must observe animals from a safe distance and are prohibited from touching or disturbing them.
What remains unclear — It is not specified what specific legal measures Oman’s Environment Authority is pursuing against those involved in the incident.
Fitness influencer Vadym Oleynik faces backlash for riding sea turtle in Oman
The incident happened in the Ras Al Jinz area of Oman, one of the country’s most famous sea turtle nesting sites.
Footage showed fitness trainer Vadym Oleynik approaching the adult turtle as it attempted to crawl away before he sat down on its shell.
Vadym slipped off as the turtle kept moving, but got back onto the animal while laughing.
The Ukrainian influencer was also seen holding a tiny turtle hatchling in his hands.
Vadym and Olena were filmed sitting on the turtles (Picture: Viral Press)
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The hatchling was flapping its small fins and struggling against his grip as he continued to laugh.
Another Ukrainian tourist, cosmetologist Olena Kravchenko, was also reportedly filmed sitting on the turtle’s shell during the incident.
The footage and photographs were later shared online and prompted widespread criticism after being highlighted by Italian conservation project Biologicamente.
The organisation said sea turtles are wild animals which should not be touched or used for photographs and said it had reported the incident to the authorities.
It said: ‘A serious and professional association accompanied by a scientific committee would never allow its volunteers to sit on turtles in order to take selfies.
‘It is disgusting and unpleasant. This is exploitation, mistreatment and abuse, nothing resembling volunteering.’
Vadym later posted an apology on Instagram and addressed Oman’s Environment Authority and an organisation involved in protecting green sea turtles.
Vadym was seen smiling as he sat down on the turtle (Picture: Viral Press)
He admitted that he had failed to follow the rules for handling the animals and said he had made a mistake.
Vadym also said he had not intended to cause the turtle harm or pain.
Oman’s Environment Authority confirmed that the incident in Ras Al Jinz was being investigated and said ‘legal measures’ had been taken against those involved.
Officials reminded visitors that people at turtle nesting sites are forbidden from touching, approaching or otherwise disturbing the animals.
Tourists were urged to watch the turtles only from a safe distance and report any breaches of wildlife protection rules.
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