Lawsuit Filed After New Jersey Woman Killed in Hippo Attack During Safari
Craig Manders is suing the tour company African Portfolio following the death of his wife Lisa in a hippopotamus attack during a safari in Zambia. The lawsuit claims negligence in ensuring safety and supervising tour guides. African Portfolio denies responsibility, stating it only coordinated lodging and not the actual safari, which was conducted by local operators. The case underscores the inherent dangers of safari activities and potential shortcomings in safety protocols.
A New Jersey man is suing African Portfolio, a Connecticut-based safari tour operator, after his wife, Lisa Manders, was killed by a hippopotamus during a guided safari in Zambia. The lawsuit claims the company failed to ensure the safety of the Manders, inadequately vetted and supervised the tour guides, and allowed them to encounter dangerous wildlife without sufficient protection.
The tragic incident occurred in June 2023 while the couple was celebrating their anniversary. Lisa Manders, 70, suffered fatal injuries after a hippo violently attacked her, as Craig Manders watched helplessly. The lawsuit describes the scene, noting that the tour guides, despite being armed, did not intervene during the life-threatening situation.
Craig Manders, represented by attorney Paul Slager, is seeking unspecified monetary damages while highlighting the need for accountability in the safari tour industry. The suit stresses that basic safety standards were disregarded and that such incidents should not occur. Slager stated, “There are basic safety standards that businesses are expected to follow, and those were not followed.”
African Portfolio’s representative, Rodney Gould, has denied the allegations, asserting that the company was only responsible for coordinating the lodging arrangements and not the actual safari activities conducted by Chiawa Safaris, the local tour group. Gould emphasized, “It’s a tour operator. It arranges trips… My client didn’t conduct the safari. It arranged it.”
The lawsuit raises concerns regarding the inherent dangers of safaris and the requirement of careful planning for safety. It accuses African Portfolio of encouraging an avoidable encounter with the hippo and failing to ensure that competent guides were provided. The company has suggested possible dismissal of the lawsuit or arbitration due to an agreement signed by the Manders prior to the trip.
Hippos, weighing up to 7,000 pounds, are recognized as territorial and aggressive animals. Fatal encounters with hippos are not uncommon; reports indicate that approximately 500 human deaths may result from hippo attacks annually. Previous incidents have included a year prior when seven people died in Malawi due to a hippo attack.
The emotional toll on Craig Manders is also highlighted, with claims for damages resulting from witnessing his wife’s violent death. The lawsuit aims to draw attention to negligence in the safari tourism sector and the urgent need for stricter safety regulations. Slager noted, “He’s suing both for the loss of his wife and the impact that has on him and his life.”
This lawsuit represents a critical examination of the responsibilities that safari tour operators hold in ensuring the safety of their clients amidst wild and unpredictable wildlife. The outcome may not only affect Craig Manders but could prompt broader discussions on safety standards within the safari tourism industry, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
