A vacation photo op at a protected wildlife sanctuary has turned into an international incident.
Ukrainian influencer Vadym Oleynik and his fiancée, Olena Kravchenko, filmed themselves climbing onto and sitting on a nesting sea turtle at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman, laughing as the animal tried to get away, before also handling one of its hatchlings. Oman's Environment Authority confirmed the behavior violated wildlife-protection laws and said legal action has been taken against those involved. Oleynik later apologized, calling it a mistake, though the video had already drawn condemnation from conservation groups and his own followers.
Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz are among the best-known sea turtle nesting sites in the world, and officials have used the incident to remind visitors that touching, approaching, or disturbing nesting turtles is both harmful to the animals and against the law.
