Horrific Safari Incident Sparks Legal Battle
A New Jersey man has filed a lawsuit against a U.S.-based travel company after his wife was killed in a violent hippopotamus attack during a guided safari in Zambia last year. The lawsuit, filed in Stamford, Connecticut, alleges that the company, African Portfolio, failed to ensure the couple’s safety and did not properly vet or supervise the tour guides responsible for their trip.
Craig and Lisa Manders were celebrating their anniversary on their first-ever trip to Africa when the tragic incident occurred in June. During a walking safari, a hippo charged out of the water, grabbed Lisa Manders in its powerful jaws, and crushed her with its bite. She suffered catastrophic injuries and died shortly after.
Allegations of Negligence and Lack of Safety Measures
According to the lawsuit, Craig Manders watched in horror as the hippo attacked his wife, but the tour guides, including at least one armed with a rifle, walked away without offering any assistance. The lawsuit claims that African Portfolio failed to provide safe conditions during the safari, allowed an avoidable encounter with a dangerous hippo, and did not properly train or supervise the guides.
Paul Slager, an attorney representing Craig Manders, stated that the lawsuit seeks monetary damages, accountability for Lisa Manders’ death, and improved safety measures in the safari industry. He emphasized that basic safety standards were not followed and that the consequences were devastating. Slager also revealed that Craig Manders is not giving interviews at this time.
The lawsuit argues that African safaris are inherently dangerous and require careful planning to prevent tragedies. It alleges that African Portfolio was responsible for vetting and overseeing the tour guides and that the company vouched for their competence, qualifications, and training to ensure the safety of its clients.
Tour Company Denies Responsibility
African Portfolio has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that it only arranged the couple’s lodging and that the safari itself was conducted by Chiawa Safaris, a company based in Zambia. Rodney Gould, an attorney for African Portfolio, stated that his client was not responsible for conducting the safari but merely arranged it, booking all the components of the couple’s trip.
Gould insisted that African Portfolio was not negligent in selecting Chiawa Safaris, as the company has an excellent reputation in the safari industry. He suggested that African Portfolio may seek to have the lawsuit dismissed or push for arbitration, which was a condition of the agreement that the Manderses signed before their trip.
Company Statement Contradicts Lawsuit Claims
In a statement, African Portfolio did not directly address the lawsuit but stated that Lisa Manders was accompanied by an experienced and highly trained guide, a ranger, and an armed National Park scout during the walking safari. The company also claimed that safety measures were in place before the attack and that multiple warnings were issued to guests to return to the safety of the vehicle during the incident.
When asked whether guests were specifically warned about the presence of the hippo before the attack, African Portfolio responded that its statement accurately reflected the events as they understood them. The company’s founder flew to Zambia immediately after the attack to support the family and those involved, stating that their thoughts and prayers remained with everyone affected by the tragedy.
Seeking Justice for a Devastating Loss
The lawsuit argues that Lisa Manders endured significant emotional and physical suffering before her death, while Craig Manders has suffered severe psychological trauma from witnessing the attack. Slager stated that Craig Manders is suing both for the loss of his wife and for the immense emotional and psychological toll of witnessing her death.
The case is still pending, and the legal battle could set a precedent for holding U.S. travel companies accountable for safety in international tours.
