1:35 am - February 19, 2025
A tragic and devastating incident occurred during a safari trip in Zambia last year, resulting in the death of Lisa Manders, a 70-year-old woman from New Jersey, who was killed by a rampaging hippopotamus. Her husband, Craig Manders, 72, has now filed a lawsuit against the safari tour operator, African Portfolio, alleging negligence and seeking damages for the loss of his wife. The couple had embarked on a 10-day safari adventure arranged by the Connecticut-based company, trusting in their expertise to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Instead, their trip turned into a nightmare when a wild hippo attacked Lisa during a guided bush walk, leaving Craig emotionally traumatized and seeking justice for his wife’s untimely death.
The incident took place in May last year during a guided “bush walk” in Zambia, a popular activity for safari-goers to experience the wild up close. According to the court documents, the group was near a river when a hippopotamus, partially submerged in the water, suddenly lifted its head and charged without warning. Despite Lisa’s attempts to flee, she was unable to escape the attack. The hippo grabbed her with its mouth, lifted her off the ground, and violently shook her, causing catastrophic injuries, including severe head and body trauma. Lisa succumbed to her injuries shortly after the attack, leaving her husband and family in shock and grief.
The lawsuit, filed in Stamford Superior Court in Connecticut on February 5, claims that African Portfolio failed to ensure the safety of the couple during the safari. It alleges that the company did not adequately warn them about the dangers of approaching the riverbank near the wild hippopotamus, which posed an immediate and grave threat to their safety. The complaint highlights that Craig and Lisa reasonably relied on African Portfolio to plan and execute the trip in a safe manner, but the company fell short of this responsibility. The lawsuit also points out that the armed guide accompanying the group fled during the attack, leaving Craig to witness the horrific incident unfold before his eyes.
In response to the lawsuit, African Portfolio’s attorney, Rodney Gould, has stated that the company arranged the couple’s lodging through Chiawa Safaris in Zambia, who provided the tour guides for the safari. Gould emphasized that the guides were highly trained and experienced, and that all safety measures were implemented before and during the incident. He noted that Chiawa Lodge had confirmed to local authorities that repeated verbal warnings were issued to the guests to return to the safety of their vehicle during the encounter. Gould also mentioned that African Portfolio’s founder flew to Zambia immediately after the incident to assist the family and ensure that everything possible was being done to support them. The company has expressed its condolences and continues to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
The tragic event has left Craig Manders emotionally debilitated and traumatized, as stated in the complaint. He is seeking at least $15,000 in damages to cover funeral expenses and other related costs. Lisa’s death has been a profound loss for her family, including her three children and a granddaughter. Lisa, a native of Queens, New York, had a love for cooking, traveling, and visiting New York City. She had a successful career in the financial industry spanning over 40 years, and her obituary reflects the many lives she touched through her kindness and passion for life.
This incident raises important questions about the safety measures in place during wildlife tours and the responsibility of tour operators to protect their clients. While safaris offer thrilling opportunities to connect with nature and observe wild animals, they also carry inherent risks that must be managed with utmost care and professionalism. The lawsuit underscores the importance of clear communication, adequate warning, and proper safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. For Craig Manders and his family, the legal battle is not only about seeking justice for Lisa’s death but also about ensuring that no one else has to endure such a heartbreaking loss.