A fitness influencer has sparked fury after appearing to ride a sea turtle while it was laying eggs. Vadym Oleynik, 32, was holidaying with his partner Olena Kravchenko when the incident took place in Oman.
Photographs shared on social media appear to show the Ukrainian couple taking turns sitting on the turtle’s shell in the Ras al Hadd area. They were also accused of picking up newly hatched baby turtles.
Backlash from conservationists
Oleynik, a sambo fighter and self-proclaimed world calisthenics champion, and Kravchenko, a cosmetic doctor, were reportedly accompanied by volunteers from an environmental organisation monitoring turtle nesting in the area.
The images triggered a furious backlash from conservationists. Italian conservation project Biologicamente was among the first to highlight the incident, claiming a serious organisation with a scientific committee “would NEVER allow its volunteers to sit on a turtle’s shell just to take a s***** selfie”.
Legal action and apology
Oman’s Environment Authority later said Oleynik’s actions violated laws and regulations protecting wildlife. The authority said it had taken the “necessary legal action against the individual concerned, in accordance with applicable legislation”. It also reiterated its opposition to behaviour that could harm wildlife or threaten its natural habitat.
Reports later claimed Oleynik and Kravchenko had been detained by police, but there has been no official confirmation. Oleynik has continued posting pictures and videos from his holiday.
Influencer responds
The influencer has since apologised, claiming he had been misled and did not intend to harm the turtle. He said: “I didn’t see the rules. I made a mistake and apologise to everyone.”
Oleynik describes himself as a world calisthenics champion and a Master of Sport in combat sambo. He has around 200,000 followers on one of his social media accounts.
