Ukrainian fitness influencer Vadym Oleynik, 32, is under international fire after images and video showed him and his partner sitting on a nesting green sea turtle at the Ras Al Jinz/Ras Al Hadd sanctuary in Oman. Conservationists and Oman's Environment Authority condemned the actions and said legal steps have been initiated. Oleynik apologised, claiming he did not know the rules; reports of police detention remain unconfirmed.
Fitness Influencer Faces Global Outcry After Sitting On Nesting Sea Turtle At Oman Sanctuary
Influencer Sits on Nesting Sea Turtle at Oman Sanctuary, Sparks Global Backlash (Video)
A Ukrainian fitness influencer has sparked international condemnation after photographs and video showed him sitting on a nesting sea turtle at a protected sanctuary in Oman.
What Happened
Vadym Oleynik, 32, reportedly on holiday with his partner Olena Kravchenko, was filmed climbing onto the shell of a green sea turtle as it attempted to lay eggs in the Ras Al Jinz/Ras Al Hadd nesting area — one of Oman's best-known turtle sites. Kravchenko was also photographed sitting on the same animal, and the couple were accused of handling newly hatched hatchlings.
Oleynik initially posted the footage to his Instagram account, which has more than 200,000 followers, then deleted the clip. As often happens online, copies of the video were widely shared across social platforms and picked up by news outlets.
Reaction And Possible Legal Action
Conservationists reacted swiftly and strongly. The science and conservation account Biologicamente called the behavior an example of “rotten tourism,” criticizing the use of wild animals as props for social-media content.
Dr. Christine Figgener, Sea Turtle Biologist & Ocean Advocate: "I am glad they are facing legal actions. Why do people even need to be made aware of conservation status? Isn't it enough that it is a living and breathing being that shouldn't be mistreated. Please also notice the green turtle hatchling in his hand."
Oman's Environment Authority said the footage showed "acts that disturb sea turtles" and amounted to violations of wildlife-protection regulations. Officials stated that "the necessary legal action" has been initiated and stressed that practices harming wildlife or natural habitats will not be tolerated. Reports that Oleynik and Kravchenko were detained circulated online, but authorities have not confirmed those reports.
Response From The Influencer
Oleynik has issued a public apology. In a message to followers he said:
"I didn't see the rules. I made a mistake and apologise to everyone. I didn't want to hurt the turtle or do anything bad to it."
He reportedly removed the original post, but the footage continues to circulate. The legal outcome remains pending.
Source
The incident was first reported by Surfer on Sep 29, 2026.
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