A New Jersey man is suing a U.S. safari company after his wife was tragically killed by a hippo during their dream African vacation.
This is both weird and tragic…
At a Glance
- Craig Manders is suing African Portfolio after his wife Lisa was killed by a hippo in Zambia
- The lawsuit alleges negligence in safety assurance and tour guide oversight
- African Portfolio denies responsibility, claiming they only arranged accommodations
- The incident highlights the inherent dangers of African safaris
- The case seeks accountability and monetary damages
Tragic Safari Turns into Legal Battle
A dream African safari turned into a nightmare for Craig Manders of New Jersey when his wife, Lisa Manders, was fatally attacked by a hippo during their trip to Zambia. Now, Manders is taking legal action against African Portfolio, the U.S.-based safari company that arranged their tour, in a case that highlights the potential dangers of wildlife encounters and raises questions about tour operator responsibilities.
The lawsuit, filed in a New Jersey court, accuses African Portfolio of negligence in ensuring the safety of its clients and failing to properly screen and supervise tour guides. According to the legal complaint, the tragic incident occurred during a guided walk when a hippo charged and fatally attacked Lisa Manders. The suit alleges that the tour guides, including one armed with a rifle, did not assist during the attack, leaving the couple defenseless against the aggressive animal.
A New Jersey man has filed a lawsuit against a US-based safari tour company after his wife was killed in a hippopotamus attack during a guided tour in Zambia last year. https://t.co/ONNmRMmzMM https://t.co/ONNmRMmzMM
— AGCNewsNet (@AGCNewsNet) February 14, 2025
Craig Manders is not only seeking monetary damages but also accountability for his wife’s death. The lawsuit aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to address the emotional and psychological impact on Manders, who witnessed the horrific attack.
“We’re doing this because this should never have happened,” Paul Slager, the attorney representing Manders, said.
The case brings attention to the inherent risks associated with African safaris and questions the adequacy of safety measures provided by tour operators. Hippos, known for their territorial and aggressive nature, are responsible for numerous fatal attacks in Africa each year, with some estimates suggesting around 500 human fatalities annually.
Company Denies Responsibility
African Portfolio denies any negligence in the matter. The company claims that its involvement was limited to arranging the couple’s lodging and that Chiawa Safaris, a local operator, provided the tour guides. African Portfolio maintains that it was not responsible for the safari’s execution and plans to seek dismissal or arbitration of the lawsuit.
“It’s a horrible tragedy when somebody goes on one of these trips and is injured or killed. It’s awful,” Rodney Gould, an attorney for African Portfolio, stated, while emphasizing the company’s position that safety measures were in place and warnings were issued during the incident.
The legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of other wildlife-related fatalities in Africa, including recent elephant attacks in Zambia. As the case progresses, it may set precedents for how safari companies are held accountable for client safety in the unpredictable wilderness of Africa.
Who is right here?
