Ukrainian fitness influencer Vadym Oleynik, partner Olena Kravchenko face backlash after riding nesting sea turtle and handling hatchlings in Oman despite volunteers monitoring site

A Ukrainian fitness influencer has faced widespread criticism after images appeared to show him and his partner sitting on a nesting sea turtle and handling newly hatched turtles in Oman. Authorities said the incident violated wildlife protection laws.Vadym Oleynik, 32, was visiting the Ras al Hadd area of Oman with his partner, cosmetic doctor Olena Kravchenko, when the incident reportedly took place. The coastal region is known as an important nesting site for several species of sea turtles.As Jam Press reported, the couple were accompanied by volunteers from an environmental organisation that was monitoring turtle nesting activity when the alleged incidents occurred.Images circulating online appeared to show Oleynik and Kravchenko taking turns sitting on the shell of a sea turtle as it was nesting and laying eggs. Oleynik was also seen picking up newly hatched turtles.The images sparked a backlash from conservationists and social media users, particularly because the turtle was reportedly in the middle of its nesting process.Conservation group criticises incidentItalian conservation project Biologicamente was among the first organisations to draw attention to the images. The group criticised both the individuals involved and the environmental organisation whose volunteers were reportedly present at the site.It questioned how volunteers could have allowed anyone to sit on a nesting turtle merely for photographs and described the incident as exploitation and mistreatment of wildlife.The images were reportedly shared with Oleynik’s approximately 200,000 Instagram followers. Following the backlash, comments on his social media account were reportedly disabled.Oman authorities say wildlife laws were violatedOman’s Environment Authority later said Oleynik’s actions violated laws and regulations designed to protect wildlife.The authority said it had taken the “necessary legal action” against the individual involved in accordance with applicable legislation. It also stressed its opposition to behaviour that could harm wildlife or threaten natural habitats.Some reports subsequently claimed that Oleynik and Kravchenko had been detained by police. However, there has been no official confirmation of their reported detention.Oleynik has continued posting photographs and videos from his holiday following the incident.Influencer apologisesOleynik has since apologised for his actions and said he did not intend to harm the turtle.“I didn’t see the rules. I made a mistake and apologise to everyone,” he said.He also claimed that he had been misled by the organisation accompanying them and maintained that he had not intended to cause harm.Oleynik describes himself as a fitness influencer, calisthenics champion and Master of Sport in combat sambo. His social media accounts have a substantial following.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.