New Jersey Man Sues Safari Operator Following Wife’s Fatal Hippo Attack

A New Jersey man is suing a safari tour operator after his wife was killed by a hippo during an African safari. Craig Manders claims negligence by African Portfolio, stating they failed to ensure safety while on a bush walk. Witnessing the attack, Manders expresses shock at the lack of precautions taken by the guides. The sad event has raised broader concerns about safety in wildlife tours.

A New Jersey man has filed a lawsuit against a safari tour operator following the tragic death of his wife, Lisa Manders, during a safari in Zambia. Craig Manders claims that the tour operator, African Portfolio, exhibited negligence by failing to ensure the safety of participants during the expedition. Witnessing his wife’s horrific death, Manders emphasized the lack of awareness regarding the dangers posed by hippos, stating that had they known, they would have avoided close contact with the animal.

Craig Manders expressed astonishment at the lack of precautions taken by the tour guides, who left Lisa alone on foot near the hippo, a creature known for its aggressive and territorial behavior. He stated, “The idea that we were unwittingly exposed to such an extreme danger… is nothing short of astonishing.” Meanwhile, attorney Rod Gould, representing African Portfolio, termed the event a “really unusual” tragedy, clarifying the company’s limited responsibility during excursions, akin to airlines not being liable for lost luggage.

In the lawsuit, filed in Stamford Superior Court, Craig Manders recounted their departure from the U.S. on May 31, 2024, for a ten-day safari. On June 5, while participating in a “bush walk” led by their guides, they encountered a resting hippo, an animal notorious for its aggression. Despite the known risks, the guides failed to maintain a safe distance or provide adequate protection as they departed the area, leaving the group vulnerable to the hippo’s unpredictability.

The lawsuit details the sudden attack on Lisa Manders, describing how the hippo charged from the river and inflicted fatal injuries despite her attempts to escape. Craig Manders witnessed the incident, which left her with catastrophic injuries and caused her death shortly thereafter. Described as a dedicated mother and a longtime financial industry professional, her husband mourned her loss, stating, “Lisa was the best mother and wife anyone could ever hope for.”

Although the precise location of the attack within Zambia remains unspecified, news reports indicate that the country’s tourism minister acknowledged the tragedy involving an American tourist, also killed by a hippo. The government expressed condolences to the affected family, emphasizing ongoing investigations into the incident.

Craig Manders’ attorneys characterized the occurrence as entirely preventable, advocating for the responsibility of wilderness guides and tour operators to implement essential safety measures. Paul Slager stated, “Interacting with the natural world in the wilderness can be an incredibly rich experience… but they must ensure customers are not unnecessarily exposed to extreme dangers.”

The tragic incident involving Lisa Manders highlights the critical need for adequate safety measures during safari tours in wildlife regions. Her husband’s lawsuit against African Portfolio raises significant concerns regarding the responsibilities of tour operators in preventing such accidents. The case underscores the profound impact of negligence in recreational activities within dangerous environments, further calling for stringent safety protocols in the industry.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com