RAS AL JINZ, Oman , Ukrainian fitness influencer Vadym Oleynik, joining a pattern of influencers whose wildlife encounters draw public scrutiny has apologized after video showed him and his partner sitting on a nesting green sea turtle and handling a hatchling at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, the Environment Authority of Oman and conservation groups said.
Oleynik, 32, was filmed at the recent documentation of rare marine wildlife in the Indian Ocean in the Indian Ocean, a region where marine conservation efforts have shown unexpected recoveries. He was with Olena Kravchenko, described in coverage as his fiancée and a cosmetic doctor.
In the viral footage Oleynik posted to his Instagram account with more than 200,000 followers, which was later removed, he sits on the turtle as the animal appears to try to move away and holds a hatchling in one hand. Other images show Kravchenko seated on the turtle and holding a hatchling. Both appear to smile during the encounter.
Conservation groups condemned the actions. The Italian project Biologicamente called the behavior disgusting and unacceptable and an example of rotten tourism, stressing that sea turtles are wild animals that should not be touched or used for photographs. The group questioned how a serious conservation organization would permit such contact, noting reports that the couple were accompanied by volunteers monitoring nesting activity.
Oman’s Environment Authority issued a statement on Sept. 27 saying it had followed the circulating video of a tourist disturbing sea turtles in the Ras Al Jinz area. The necessary legal measures have been taken against the individual concerned in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, the authority said. It reiterated a firm stance against practices that harm wildlife or threaten natural habitats and urged visitors not to touch, approach or disturb turtles.
Oleynik responded in Instagram Stories later reshared by outlets including Channel 5 News and Yahoo News. I would like to send first of all my apologies to the Environmental Authority Sultanate of Oman, he said. Also for the protection organisation of the green sea turtles I was sitting on. He said he had not seen the rules, described the episode as a mistake and said he did not want to hurt the turtle or do anything bad to it. May God bless all of you and forgive me for my mistake.
Oleynik was born July 20, 1994 in Ukraine and spent much of his youth in Warsaw, Poland. He describes himself as a calisthenics world champion, fitness coach and Master of Sport in combat sambo. He has competed internationally in street workout and bodybuilding events since at least 2013 and posts training content online. Coverage identifies Kravchenko as a cosmetologist or cosmetic doctor.
The Ras Al Jinz reserve was established by royal decree in 1996. Ministerial Decision 64/2017 regulates the sanctuary and prohibits night entry without permits, touching or approaching nesting turtles, handling eggs and using artificial lights after 10 p.m. Guided tours with trained monitors are the only authorized way for visitors to observe nesting. Officials have not publicly named those involved, detailed the specific charges or announced any penalty. Reports that the pair were detained at an airport remain unconfirmed by authorities.
Oleynik continued posting other content from his travels and training in early October. The Environment Authority has not released further updates on the legal process.
