A tragic incident during a safari in Africa has left a US man devastated after his wife was killed in a horrific hippopotamus attack. Craig and Lisa Manders were on a guided walk in Zambia when a hippo charged out of the water, grabbing Lisa by its mouth and inflicting fatal injuries. In response, Craig Manders is now suing the US tour company that arranged the trip, alleging negligence in ensuring their safety and proper supervision of their tour guides. The lawsuit, filed against African Portfolio, a safari tour company based in Greenwich, Connecticut, seeks not only monetary damages but also accountability for Lisa Manders’ death and a commitment to safeguarding future travelers.
Tragedy Strikes on an Anniversary Trip
The Manders, residents of Cranford, New Jersey, embarked on a special anniversary trip to Africa, marking their first visit to the continent. Lisa Manders, a seasoned professional in the financial industry with a passion for cooking and traveling, tragically lost her life in the unprovoked hippopotamus attack. The couple, who shared three children and a granddaughter, had looked forward to a memorable celebration but instead were faced with an unimaginable tragedy.
According to the lawsuit filed on February 5 in Stamford, Connecticut, the attack occurred during a guided walk organized by African Portfolio. Despite the presence of armed tour guides, the lawsuit alleges that the guides failed to intervene as the hippo fatally injured Lisa Manders, leaving Craig Manders to witness the horrific incident helplessly. The lawsuit contends that the company’s negligence and lack of supervision led to the devastating outcome, causing irreparable harm to the Manders family.
Legal Battle Unfolds
In response to the lawsuit, African Portfolio has denied the allegations of negligence, stating that they were not directly involved in conducting the safari but merely arranged the logistics of the trip. The company’s lawyer, Rodney Gould, emphasized that African Portfolio’s role was limited to coordinating the couple’s accommodations, with the actual tour guides provided by Chiawa Safaris in Zambia. Gould defended the company’s reputation and maintained that they had followed industry standards in vetting their local partners.
The lawsuit accuses African Portfolio of failing to adequately screen, supervise, and train the tour guides responsible for the Manders’ safety, ultimately leading to the tragic encounter with the hippopotamus. It alleges that the company encouraged the couple to participate in a highly dangerous activity without ensuring proper precautions were in place. The legal battle between Craig Manders and African Portfolio underscores the complexities and risks associated with wildlife safaris, where human encounters with wild animals can have devastating consequences.
As the lawsuit unfolds in the legal arena, the broader question of accountability and responsibility in the travel industry comes to the forefront. The need for stringent safety measures and thorough vetting of tour operators and guides gains renewed emphasis in light of this tragic incident. The Manders’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of prioritizing traveler safety above all else.
Hippos, known for their territorial and aggressive tendencies, pose a significant risk to humans in their natural habitat. The lawsuit filed by Craig Manders sheds light on the challenges faced by travelers seeking to experience the beauty of the African wilderness while navigating potential dangers. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome remains uncertain, but the impact of the tragedy on the Manders family serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for enhanced safety protocols in the tourism industry.