New Jersey Man Sues Tour Operator Following Wife’s Fatal Hippo Encounter in Africa

A New Jersey man, Craig Manders, has sued a safari tour operator, African Portfolio, after his wife was killed by a hippo during a safari in Zambia. Manders claims negligence on the part of the tour operator for failing to safeguard their group. The incident raised significant concerns regarding the responsibilities of tour guides in ensuring participant safety against dangerous wildlife.

A New Jersey resident has filed a lawsuit against a safari tour operator following the tragic death of his wife, Lisa Manders, who was killed by a hippo during a safari in Zambia. Craig Manders claims in his suit that the tour operator, African Portfolio, exhibited negligence by not ensuring the safety of their group during the expedition. He witnessed the horrifying incident that took place last year while on a trip organized by the Connecticut-based company.

In his statement, Craig Manders expressed that had they been adequately informed about the dangers of hippos, they would have never participated in an activity that brought them so close to these dangerous animals. He emphasized the astonishing lack of precaution taken by the guides, who allowed his wife to be alone on foot without any barrier against such a deadly creature.

African Portfolio’s attorney, Rod Gould, characterized the incident as a tragic but uncommon occurrence. He noted that while the company is reputable and organizes tours with recognized safari lodges, they cannot be held accountable for incidents that transpire during the tours. Gould illustrated the nature of their business by stating, “My client is a tour operator. It organizes tours. A trip, for example, might include airfare. We’re not responsible if the airline loses luggage.”

According to the suit filed in Stamford Superior Court, Craig and Lisa Manders embarked on the safari on May 31, 2024. Just five days into their journey, they participated in a “bush walk” led by guides who took the group to a riverbank where a solitary hippopotamus was resting. The lawsuit highlights the inherent danger of hippos, which are considered among the most hazardous animals due to their territorial and aggressive nature.

The guides reportedly left the area, despite the known risks posed by the approaching hippo, allowing the Manders and other tourists to observe the animal without any protective measures. Subsequently, the hippo charged at Lisa Manders without warning, leading to a tragic attack from which she could not escape. The distressing details describe how the hippo seized her, inflicting catastrophic injuries that resulted in her death shortly thereafter.

Lisa Manders, a devoted mother of three, had a successful career in the financial sector for over four decades. Her husband mournfully declared, “Lisa was the best mother and wife anyone could ever hope for. Her violent death is a devastating loss not only for our family, but for our community.”

Though the lawsuit does not specify the location of the tragic event in Zambia, reports indicate that the country’s tourism minister acknowledged the death of an American tourist due to a hippo at the Lower Zambezi National Park shortly after the incident dated June 5, 2024. The minister expressed condolences and stated that investigations are ongoing.

Craig Manders’ legal representatives criticized the incident as completely preventable, asserting the necessity for tour operators to prioritize customer safety in the wilderness. Attorney Paul Slager remarked on the responsibility of wilderness guides, stating, “…wilderness guides and tour operators like African Portfolio carry the responsibility to ensure basic safety precautions are taken to ensure customers visiting the African wilderness are not unnecessarily exposed to extreme dangers.”

The lawsuit filed by Craig Manders against African Portfolio brings attention to the duty of care that tour operators owe their clients, especially in potentially dangerous settings such as wilderness excursions. The tragic death of Lisa Manders serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with wildlife encounters and emphasizes the importance of safety measures during such activities.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com