A New Jersey man, Craig Manders, has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S.-based safari company African Portfolio following the tragic death of his wife, Lisa Manders, who was killed in a horrific hippopotamus attack during a guided safari in Zambia last year. The couple was on their first trip to Africa, celebrating an anniversary, when the incident occurred in June 2024.

According to the lawsuit filed on February 5th in Stamford, Connecticut, Craig Manders alleges that the company failed to ensure their safety. He claims that despite being informed of a nearby hippo, the tour guides permitted them to approach the dangerous area and subsequently walked away. This left Lisa unprotected as the hippo charged, resulting in her catastrophic injuries and immediate death, as described by attorneys representing Craig Manders CBS, HuffPost, Independent, SCMP, and Africa News.

Paul Slager, the attorney representing Craig Manders, emphasized that basic safety standards are crucial in the safari industry, stating, "This should never have happened," after detailing the devastating consequences of the guides' negligence. Craig Manders is pursuing monetary damages and seeks accountability for the tragedy that unfolded before his eyes.

Lisa Manders, aged 70, was described as a dedicated family member, with a career spanning over 40 years in the financial industry and a passion for cooking and traveling.

In response, African Portfolio's attorney, Rodney Gould, argued that the company acted appropriately, clarifying that they merely arranged the trip and were not responsible for the actions of the tour guides or the inherent dangers posed by wild animals. He stated, “It’s a horrible tragedy when somebody goes on one of these trips and is injured or killed," reiterating that the situation was beyond the company’s control. He also noted that Chiawa Safaris, the operator of the safari, is known for its excellent reputation.

However, the lawsuit asserts that African Portfolio “encouraged and/or permitted” the Manders to encounter an “avoidable and highly dangerous” situation with the hippo and asserts that they did not take adequate precautions to safeguard their clients.

As a reflection of the risks associated with safaris, the lawsuit highlights the unpredictability of wild animals, specifically noting that hippos are notorious for their territorial aggression. Historical incidents have recorded hippos causing fatalities, with estimates suggesting that hundreds of people may be killed by these animals each year.

The devastating incident has left Craig Manders with not only the loss of his wife but also severe emotional and psychological distress from witnessing the tragic event, as outlined in his legal filing.

The ongoing lawsuit seeks damages on allegations of both negligence and recklessness, demonstrating the complex nature of safety in adventure tourism.