A tragic safari adventure turned into a nightmare when a New Jersey woman was killed in a horrific hippopotamus attack during a trip to Zambia. Craig and Lisa Manders, who were celebrating their anniversary, never imagined their dream vacation would end in such devastation. Now, Craig Manders is taking legal action against the U.S. company that arranged their trip, accusing it of failing to ensure safety during their safari.

The Fatal Attack: A Horrifying Experience

In June of the previous year, the Manderses were on a walking safari in Zambia, a guided experience arranged by African Portfolio, a safari tour company based in Greenwich, Connecticut. During the walk, a hippo suddenly charged out of the water, grabbing Lisa Manders by the head and crushing her with its bite, according to the lawsuit filed by Craig Manders. Craig Manders watched in horror as his wife suffered catastrophic injuries and died shortly after the attack.

The lawsuit alleges that tour guides, including one armed with a rifle, did nothing to intervene or help the couple during the attack. Craig Manders, devastated by the loss of his wife, is now seeking justice for the tragedy.

The Lawsuit: Allegations of Negligence

The lawsuit, filed on February 5 in Stamford, Connecticut, accuses African Portfolio of negligence and failure to ensure the safety of the Manders family. Craig Manders’ attorney, Paul Slager, said, “We’re doing this because this should never have happened. There are basic safety standards that businesses are expected to follow, and those were not followed.”

Slager further explained that the lawsuit seeks monetary damages, as well as accountability for Lisa Manders’ death, with hopes of preventing future incidents. Craig Manders has not given interviews and is focused on seeking justice for his late wife.

The Tour Company’s Response

African Portfolio, the company that arranged the safari, has denied the allegations and insists that it did not act recklessly. The company’s lawyer, Rodney Gould, argued that African Portfolio only organized the trip and booked the accommodations, while the actual safari guides were provided by Chiawa Safaris, a separate company in Zambia. He stated that African Portfolio wasn’t responsible for the actions of the tour guides or the safari experience.

Gould also emphasized that Chiawa Safaris is well-known for its excellent reputation and training, claiming the company followed proper safety protocols. He suggested that the matter should be dismissed or go to arbitration, as the Manderses had signed an agreement that included an arbitration clause.

The Dangers of Safari: A Deadly Encounter

Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, despite their seemingly peaceful appearance. As the world’s second-largest land mammals, they can weigh up to 7,000 pounds and are known for their territorial and aggressive nature. In fact, hippos are responsible for hundreds of human fatalities each year, with attacks on boats and people being common in parts of Africa.

The Manderses were unaware of the grave danger they faced during their walking safari. The lawsuit claims that African Portfolio failed to properly screen and supervise the tour guides, who should have known better than to expose guests to such a hazardous situation.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The impact of the attack has been profound on Craig Manders. Not only did he lose his wife in such a traumatic way, but he also witnessed the entire ordeal. The lawsuit states that Craig Manders has suffered severe emotional and psychological injuries, which have made it difficult for him to return to a normal life. Lisa Manders, who was 70 years old at the time of her death, also suffered “significant premorbid fear and emotional pain” before passing away from her injuries.

The couple, from Cranford, New Jersey, were on their first trip to Africa, hoping to celebrate their anniversary in a place they had always dreamed of visiting. Lisa had worked in the financial industry for over 40 years and was passionate about cooking, traveling, and exploring New York City. Her tragic death has left a profound impact on her family, including her three children and granddaughter.

Seeking Justice and Accountability

Through the lawsuit, Craig Manders hopes to hold African Portfolio accountable for its alleged negligence and recklessness, aiming to ensure that no other family suffers the same fate. His lawyer, Paul Slager, said that Craig Manders is suing not only for the loss of his wife but also for the trauma of witnessing the attack firsthand.

“It’s unimaginable to witness something like this,” Slager said. “This is about seeking justice for the loss of a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, and ensuring this doesn’t happen to others.”

Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of Safari Risks

This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of safari tours and the responsibility that tour companies must uphold when it comes to guest safety. While African safaris are a popular and thrilling experience, they also come with unpredictable risks. It’s crucial that safari companies take every precaution to protect tourists and provide proper training and supervision for their guides to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.