Husband Sues Safari Company After Wife Is Killed by Hippo in Zambia
A heartbroken husband watched helplessly as his wife was fatally attacked by a hippo during an African safari in Zambia.
The American woman, originally from New Jersey, was attacked by the hippo last year and died shortly after, according to a lawsuit.
Her husband, Craig, is now suing the safari tour company, claiming that the operator failed to ensure his wife’s safety despite the tragic outcome. In a statement shared by his attorneys to NBC News, Craig expressed: “Had we understood the dangers posed by the hippopotamus, we never would have agreed to get so close while on foot. The idea that we were unknowingly exposed to such a grave risk—made worse by the guides leaving Lisa alone with no barrier between her and a dangerous animal—is truly shocking.”
The couple, who left the U.S. on May 31, 2024, traveled to Zambia for a ten-day safari. The lawsuit states that Lisa was attacked just five days into the trip.
They were on a “bush walk,” and the lawsuit alleges that the tour guide either knew or should have known how close the hippos were and should have warned the group about the dangerous nature of the animals. The suit describes the creatures as “highly unpredictable, territorial, and aggressive.”
According to the lawsuit, the guides had left the area, with at least one carrying a rifle, which led to the tragic attack. A hippo suddenly emerged from the water and charged toward Lisa, who attempted to flee but was caught by the animal. The suit claims that the hippo grabbed her in its mouth, lifting her off the ground, violently shaking her, and crushing her head and body with its bite.
Rod Gould, the safari company’s lawyer, called the tragedy “really unusual” and argued that the company’s responsibility was limited to organizing the tours, not preventing accidents that could happen during the trip.
“We’re not responsible if the airline loses luggage,” Gould stated.
The lawsuit further claims that the couple was unaware of the danger they were in when they approached the riverbank, and were allegedly “negligently encouraged” to stand there to take photos of wildlife.
One of Craig’s attorneys, Slager from Slager Madry LLC, emphasized that while the wilderness can provide a rich and rewarding experience, it is the tour operator’s responsibility to ensure the safety of visitors.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Lisa Manders underscores the essential need for stringent safety protocols when it comes to safari tours, especially when participants are exposed to wild animals known for their unpredictability and aggression. The lawsuit filed by her husband, Craig, highlights a critical issue: the responsibility of tour operators to ensure that guests are properly informed about the risks they may face and are protected accordingly. The Manders’ experience, particularly the failure of the tour guides to provide adequate supervision and warnings about the proximity of the hippos, raises significant concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in place for those partaking in these types of excursions.
While safaris are marketed as an exciting and enriching way to explore nature, this tragic event calls attention to the fact that safety cannot be overlooked in such high-risk environments. The fact that Lisa was left alone with no means of protection in such a dangerous situation is nothing short of negligence. By pursuing legal action, Craig Manders not only seeks justice for his wife’s untimely death but also hopes to set a precedent for the safari industry, urging all operators to implement comprehensive safety guidelines, better training for their staff, and clearer communication with tourists. Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder of the duty of care that must be upheld in the tourism industry, ensuring that life-threatening risks are minimized and that every effort is made to protect the well-being of those who venture into the wild.
