A Connecticut man is suing a safari tour operator after his wife was killed by a hippopotamus during a trip to Zambia last year.
The husband of a New Jersey woman, who was killed by a rampaging hippopotamus during the couple's trip in Zambia last year, is suing the safari tour operator for alleged negligence. According to a court document reviewed by Fox News Digital, a complaint was filed on February 5 in Connecticut’s Stamford Superior Court by Craig Manders of Cranford, New Jersey against African Portfolio.
The complaint stated that Craig, 72, and his wife Lisa, 70, participated in a 10-day safari trip in Zambia arranged through the Connecticut-based African Portfolio. \'Craig and Lisa Manders reasonably relied on African Portfolio to ensure the Zambia Safari was planned, executed and operated in a reasonably safe manner,' the complaint noted. During the couple's guided 'bush walk' last May, a hippo, which was partially submerged in a river, 'suddenly and without warning, lifted its head and charged from the water.' Lisa attempted in vain to flee, but 'was unable to escape, and the hippopotamus violently attacked her, grabbing her by its mouth, lifting her from the ground, shaking her entire body, and crushing her head and body with its bite,' according to the court document. She suffered 'catastrophic injuries' and died following the attack. READ THE LAWSUIT. MOBILE USERS CLICK HERE \The lawsuit noted that the armed guide fled as Craig had a front-row seat to the horrific attack. 'They should have known that approaching and/or standing on the bank of the body of water near the wild hippopotamus posed an immediate and grave threat to the safety and well-being of Craig and Lisa Manders,' the lawsuit said. 'Craig and Lisa, in contrast, were neither fully aware nor adequately warned,' it says. African Portfolio attorney Rodney Gould told Fox News Digital that African Portfolio arranged the couple's lodging and the owners of the lodging, Chiawa Safaris in Zambia, provided the tour guides. 'The incident occurred on a walking safari arranged by Chiawa Lodge. Chiawa reported that the guests were accompanied by a highly trained and experienced professional guide, a ranger and an armed National Park scout,' he said. 'During the safari, a hippo unexpectedly charged, killing one of the guests. Chiawa Lodge confirmed to both the Police, and Department of National Parks & Wildlife investigations at the time, that all safety measures had been implemented both before and during the incident, and repeated verbal warnings for the guests to return to the safety of the vehicle were issued during the incident.' 'Immediately afterwards, African Portfolio’s founder flew to Zambia to provide assistance, along with the owner of Chiawa Lodge, to ensure that everything possible was being done to support the family and all those involved,' he said. 'Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family, and everyone else involved in this tragic incident.' CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The attack left Craig Manders emotionally debilitated and traumatized, according to the complaint. He's seeking at least $15,000 in damages to pay for Lisa's funeral and other expenses. Lisa Manders had worked in the financial industry for over 40 years and loved cooking, traveling and visiting New York City, where she was born in Queens in 1953, according to her obituary. The couple had three children and a granddaughter
HIPPOATTACK SAFARITRIP ZAMBIA LEGALBATTLE TOUROPERATOR NEGLIGENCE FATALITY
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Safari Tourist Sues Tour Operator After Wife Killed by Hippo in ZambiaCraig Manders alleges that African Portfolio, the tour operator responsible for organizing his safari in Zambia, failed to protect his wife, Lisa, from the known dangers of hippos. Lisa Manders was tragically killed by a hippopotamus during a guided bush walk, leaving her husband devastated and seeking justice.
Read more »
Husband Sues Tour Operator After Wife Killed by Hippopotamus in ZambiaA New Jersey man is suing a Connecticut tour operator after his wife was killed by a hippopotamus during a safari in Zambia. Craig Manders alleges that African Portfolio was negligent in failing to protect his wife, Lisa, from the dangerous animal.
Read more »
Husband Sues Safari Company After Wife Killed in Hippo AttackA grieving widower is suing a U.S. safari company after his wife was killed in a hippopotamus attack in Zambia. He alleges that the company failed to ensure her safety and properly vet the tour guides.
Read more »
New Jersey man whose wife was killed in hippo attack in Africa sues safari tour companyThe lawsuit claims that as a horrified Craig Manders watched the hippo attack his wife, the tour guides walked away without helping the couple. The company denies the lawsuit's allegations.
Read more »
New Jersey Man Sues Safari Company After Wife Killed in Hippo AttackA grieving husband is suing an American safari company after his wife was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus while on a guided walk in Zambia. The lawsuit alleges negligence and inadequate safety measures by the tour company.
Read more »
New Jersey Man Sues Safari Company After Wife Killed in Hippo AttackCraig Manders alleges that African Portfolio failed to ensure safety and adequately screen tour guides during a safari in Zambia where his wife was killed by a hippopotamus.
Read more »