A New Jersey man is suing a U.S.-based safari tour operator after his wife was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus during a guided walk in Zambia last year. The lawsuit claims the company failed to ensure their safety and did not properly vet or supervise the tour guides responsible for their trip.
Craig and Lisa Manders were on a guided safari walk in June 2024 when a hippo suddenly charged from the water, seized Lisa in its jaws, and inflicted fatal injuries. According to the lawsuit, filed on February 5 in Stamford, Connecticut, Craig Manders was forced to watch the horrifying attack while tour guides—one of whom was armed—allegedly walked away without intervening.
The lawsuit names African Portfolio, a safari tour company based in Greenwich, Connecticut, as the defendant. Craig Manders’ attorneys, Paul Slager and Nicole Coates, argue that the company neglected fundamental safety precautions.
“This should never have happened,” said Slager. “There are basic safety standards that businesses in the safari industry are expected to follow, and those were not met. The consequences were devastating.”
The lawsuit seeks unspecified financial damages and aims to hold the company accountable to prevent similar tragedies.
Craig and Lisa Manders, residents of Cranford, New Jersey, were on a special anniversary trip—their first time in Africa. Lisa, 70, had a long career in the financial industry and enjoyed cooking, traveling, and visiting her hometown of New York City. The couple had three children and a granddaughter.
African Portfolio has denied any wrongdoing, stating that its role was limited to arranging the couple’s accommodations and that Chiawa Safaris, the Zambian company operating the lodge, was responsible for the tour and guides.
“It’s a horrible tragedy when someone is injured or killed on a trip like this,” said Rodney Gould, the company’s attorney. “But my client did not conduct the safari—it only arranged the logistics.”
Gould further stated that Chiawa Safaris has a strong reputation and that African Portfolio was not negligent in selecting them. He added that the company may seek to dismiss the lawsuit or move it to arbitration, citing a pre-trip agreement signed by the Manderses.
In a statement, African Portfolio said Chiawa Safaris organized the walking safari and that guests were accompanied by an experienced guide, a ranger, and an armed National Park scout. The company claimed that safety measures were in place before the attack and that guests were repeatedly instructed to return to their vehicle.
However, the lawsuit argues that African Portfolio failed to protect the Manderses by exposing them to an “avoidable and highly dangerous encounter.” It also accuses the company of failing to ensure the tour guides were adequately trained and prepared to handle dangerous wildlife situations.
Hippos, the world’s second-largest land mammals after elephants, are known for their territorial aggression. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, male hippos can weigh up to 3,200 kilograms (7,000 pounds) and can inflict deadly injuries.
Hippo attacks are not uncommon in Africa. In 2023, seven people were killed in Malawi when a hippo capsized their canoe. Estimates suggest hippos are responsible for at least 500 deaths annually, though some sources report even higher figures.
The lawsuit states that Lisa Manders endured “significant fear, emotional pain, and suffering” before her death. It also details the emotional and psychological trauma Craig Manders has experienced after witnessing the attack.
“He’s suing for the loss of his wife and the profound impact it has had on his life,” said Slager. “He also has a claim for the trauma of witnessing such an unimaginable event.”
The lawsuit is seeking damages based on allegations of negligence and recklessness.
