This internet influencer got everyone talking for all the wrong reasons after a video of him sitting on a sea turtle went viral.
Ukrainian fitness influencer Vadym Oleynik, 32, is facing global backlash and legal action after he was filmed riding a protected nesting sea turtle at Ras Al Jinz, a protected turtle reserve in Oman.
What Happened?
In the now-deleted video, Oleynik can be seen climbing onto the shell of a large green sea turtle while it was trying to lay eggs and crawl back to the sea. He slips off as the turtle moves, then climbs back on while laughing.
He was also filmed holding a tiny hatchling in his hand as it struggled and flapped its fins.
His partner, cosmetologist Olena Kravchenko, was also photographed sitting on the same turtle, according to footage shared online.
The videos were originally posted to his Instagram with over 200,000 followers before being deleted, but were re-shared by conservation account Biologicamente and Channel 5 News.
"This is exploitation, mistreatment and abuse, with nothing resembling volunteering. It is disgusting and unacceptable." - Biologicamente
Oman Takes Legal Action
Oman’s Environment Authority confirmed on September 27 that it was following the circulating video and said the act violated wildlife protection laws.
The authority said it has taken "necessary legal action" against the tourist involved and stressed it will not tolerate practices that harm wildlife.
Influencer Apologizes
After massive criticism, Vadym posted an apology on his Instagram Stories.
"I would like to send my apologies to the Environmental Authority Sultanate of Oman and the protection agency of the green sea turtles that I was sitting on. I didn't see the rules, I made a mistake."
Conservationists including Ukrainian charity United For Animals slammed the act, calling it "savagery and a total disregard for life."
The incident has reignited debate about "rotten tourism" and using wild animals as props for social media content.
What do you think - mistake or animal cruelty? Let us know in the comments.
