Fitness influencer apologises over ‘disturbing’ video of him and girlfriend riding sea turtle
Warning: This article contains discussion of animal cruelty which some readers may find distressing.
A Ukrainian fitness influencer has sparked backlash after posting a video of himself sitting on the back of a sea turtle in Oman.
In the now-deleted social media clip, Vadym Oleynik, 32, and his fiancée Olena Kravchenko filmed themselves laughing and smiling as they sat on the nesting turtle and even picked up one of its hatchlings.
In the video, which has been shared by Channel 5 News, Oleynik is seen sitting on the animal’s back, despite it trying to move away from him, while waving the baby about in his hand.
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He followed up with a photo of his fiancée doing a peace sign as she also sat on the turtle’s back, as well as a snap of himself posing while doing the same thing.
The photos and video sparked immediate backlash around the world, with one X user writing: “That’s absolutely disgusting. How could someone do something so unethical?”
A second added: “Wow, incredibly irresponsible and disgusting.”
While a third wrote: “This is painful to watch as someone who cares about marine conservation. Nesting turtles are under enough pressure already. Glad Oman's authorities took it seriously. Wildlife deserves respect, not photo ops.”
Following the widespread outrage, Oman’s Environmental Authority issued a statement on Sunday (27 September), confirming that the ‘necessary legal actions have been taken’.
It read: “The Environment Authority has followed up on the incident shown in the circulating video involving the disturbance of sea turtles in Ras Al Jinz.
“The necessary legal measures have been taken against the individual concerned in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
“The Authority reiterates its firm stance against any practices that may harm wildlife or threaten its natural habitats.”
Oleynik has also responded to the backlash in a post to his Instagram Stories, which was also shared by Channel 5 News.
He said: “I would like to send - first of all - my [apologies to] the Environmental Authority Sultanate of Oman. Also for the protection organisation of the green sea turtles I was sitting on.”
He added that he had not ‘seen the rules’ and admitted his actions were a ‘mistake’.
The fitness influencer continued: “I didn’t want to hurt the turtle or [do] anything bad to it. May God bless all of you and forgive me for my mistake. Thank you. Sending you a big hug.”
Oleynik has 200,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares content related to personal coaching; however, he appears to have set his account to private.
If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, contact the RSPCA's national animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 from 8am to 5pm seven days a week, or visit their website for further advice.
Topics: News, World News, Animals
Madison Burgess