Safari operator sued after New Jersey woman mauled to death by a hippo

A tragic incident during a safari trip in Zambia last year has led to a lawsuit against the tour operator, African Portfolio, by the husband of a New Jersey woman who was killed by a rampaging hippopotamus. Craig Manders, a 72-year-old from Cranford, New Jersey, filed the lawsuit in Stamford Superior Court in Connecticut on February 5, alleging negligence on the part of the tour company. Craig and his wife, Lisa Manders, 70, had embarked on a 10-day safari adventure arranged by African Portfolio, expecting a safe and well-planned experience. Instead, their trip turned into a nightmare when a hippo attacked Lisa during a guided bush walk, inflicting fatal injuries. The lawsuit underscores the devastating consequences of the attack and the emotional toll it has taken on Craig, who witnessed the horrific incident unfold.

The couple’s safari trip, which was meant to be an exciting exploration of Zambia’s wildlife, quickly turned deadly on May 19 during a guided bush walk. According to the court document, a hippopotamus that was partially submerged in a river suddenly lifted its head and charged without warning. Lisa attempted to flee but was unable to escape the attack. The hippo grabbed her with its mouth, lifted her off the ground, and shook her violently, causing catastrophic injuries, including severe head and body trauma. Despite efforts to save her, Lisa succumbed to her injuries, leaving her husband, Craig, traumatized and emotionally debilitated. The lawsuit alleges that African Portfolio failed to ensure the couple’s safety during the safari, pointing to a lack of adequate warnings and improper proximity to the dangerous animal.

The lawsuit highlights the allege negligence of African Portfolio, claiming that the company failed to provide a reasonably safe experience for the couple. It states that Craig and Lisa reasonably relied on African Portfolio to plan and execute the safari in a safe manner. However, the company allegedly fell short of this responsibility by allowing the couple to approach the river where the hippo was present, despite the obvious risks. The complaint emphasizes that the tour operators should have been aware of the immediate danger posed by the wild hippopotamus and taken appropriate measures to protect the couple. Instead, the couple was not fully aware of the risks or adequately warned, which ultimately led to the tragic outcome.

In response to the lawsuit, African Portfolio has defended itself, stating that the incident occurred during a walking safari arranged by Chiawa Safaris, a Zambian-based lodge, and that all safety measures were in place at the time of the attack. According to Rodney Gould, the attorney representing African Portfolio, the couple was accompanied by a highly trained and experienced professional guide, a ranger, and an armed National Park scout during the safari. Chiawa Safaris reportedly confirmed to local authorities that all safety protocols had been followed, including issuing repeated verbal warnings for the guests to return to the safety of their vehicle during the incident. African Portfolio’s founder also flew to Zambia after the incident to assist the family and ensure that everything possible was being done to support them. The company has expressed its condolences and continues to offer support to the family and all those involved.

Despite these assurances, the lawsuit paints a different picture, accusing the guide of fleeing during the attack and leaving Craig to witness the horrific scene unfold without any assistance. The emotional impact on Craig has been profound, as he not only lost his wife of many years but also endured the trauma of watching her die in such a violent manner. The lawsuit seeks compensation of at least $15,000 to cover Lisa’s funeral expenses and other related costs. Beyond the financial damages, the lawsuit serves as a call for accountability, urging safari operators to prioritize the safety of their clients and ensure that adequate measures are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Lisa Manders, who was born in Queens, New York, in 1953, had a fulfilling life that included a successful 40-year career in the financial industry. She was also a passionate traveler, cook, and lover of New York City. Her life was marked by her love for adventure and her deep connection to her family, which included her husband, three children, and a granddaughter. The loss of Lisa has left a void in the lives of her loved ones, and her husband, Craig, continues to grapple with the emotional scars of the incident. As the lawsuit moves forward, it not only seeks justice for the Manders family but also serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and accountability in the tourism industry, particularly in high-risk activities such as wildlife safaris.