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A New Jersey man whose wife was killed in a hippo attack during a safari in Zambia last year is suing the U.S. company that arranged the trip, alleging negligence and failure to ensure their safety.
Craig and Lisa Manders were on a guided walking safari in June 2023 when a hippo suddenly charged from the water, grabbing Lisa Manders in its mouth and crushing her head and body with its bite, according to the lawsuit. Lisa, 70, died shortly after.
The lawsuit, filed Feb. 5 in Stamford, Connecticut, accuses African Portfolio, a Connecticut-based safari tour company, of failing to properly vet and supervise the tour guides responsible for their safety. It also claims that as Craig Manders watched in horror, at least one armed guide walked away instead of intervening.
“This should never have happened,” said Paul Slager, an attorney for Craig Manders. “There are basic safety standards in the safari industry that were not followed, and the consequences were devastating.”
The suit seeks unspecified damages, accountability for Lisa’s death, and improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
A Devastating Loss
The Manderses, from Cranford, New Jersey, were on a special anniversary trip—their first visit to Africa. Lisa, originally from Queens, New York, had worked in finance for over 40 years and had a passion for cooking, travel, and family. The couple had three children and a granddaughter.
Dispute Over Responsibility
African Portfolio denies the allegations, arguing that it only arranged accommodations and that Chiawa Safaris, the lodge in Zambia, was responsible for the tour guides.
“It’s a horrible tragedy… but my client didn’t conduct the safari. It arranged it,” said Rodney Gould, the company’s attorney.
Gould also noted that Chiawa Safaris has an excellent reputation, adding that African Portfolio would seek to dismiss the lawsuit or move it to arbitration, as per the agreement signed by the Manderses before the trip.
Did the Guides Warn Them?
In a statement, African Portfolio did not directly address the lawsuit but claimed that:
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Chiawa Safaris arranged the walk, providing an experienced guide, a ranger, and an armed scout.
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Safety measures were in place, and guests were given repeated warnings to return to their vehicle during the incident.
When asked if the couple had been warned before the hippo charged, the company responded only that their statement “accurately reflects the events as we understand them.”
Deadly Risks of Hippo Attacks
Hippos are among Africa’s most dangerous animals, known for territorial aggression and unpredictable attacks.
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They can grow up to 11 feet (3.5 meters) long and weigh over 7,000 pounds (3,200 kg).
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Hippos kill an estimated 500+ people per year, though figures vary.
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In 2022, a hippo attack in Malawi killed seven people when it capsized a canoe.
Seeking Justice
The lawsuit argues that African safaris are inherently dangerous and require careful planning, execution, and safety measures. It claims that African Portfolio:
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Failed to properly vet and supervise the guides.
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Encouraged or permitted the couple to be exposed to an avoidable and highly dangerous encounter.
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Did not take sufficient steps to protect the Manderses before and during the attack.
The lawsuit also highlights the severe emotional trauma suffered by Craig Manders, who not only lost his wife but was forced to witness the horrific attack.
“He’s suing both for the loss of his wife and the impact on his life,” said Slager. “But also for the unimaginable trauma of witnessing her death.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the case raises serious questions about safety protocols in the safari industry—and who is truly responsible when tragedy strikes.
