A New Jersey resident has filed a lawsuit against a safari operator following his wife's tragic death during a tour in Zambia.
According to the Western Journal, Craig Manders is suing African Portfolio after his wife, Lisa, was mauled by a hippopotamus, alleging negligence on the part of the tour company.
Lisa Manders, 70, lost her life in a horrifying encounter with a hippopotamus while on an adventure tour organized by African Portfolio. This incident took place in the picturesque yet perilous settings of Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.
The Manders, from New Jersey, chose African Portfolio, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, for what they expected to be a memorable safari experience.
However, the tour allegedly lacked sufficient safety protocols, critical to safeguarding participants from the natural dangers residing within such wild environments.
The fatal encounter happened when Lisa stood near a river during the safari. Without warning, a hippopotamus emerged from the water and charged, causing fatal consequences. At the time, the tour group knew about the hippo's presence but did not receive sufficient information about the potential dangers posed by such powerful and territorial animals.
According to the lawsuit, the guides advised the couple to approach the hippo closer, a decision that brought them to a perilous proximity. Shortly after, the guides left them alone on foot, a move Craig Manders deems both irresponsible and shocking.
"Had we understood the dangers posed by the hippopotamus, we never would have agreed to be in such close contact while on foot," Craig Manders expressed in his dismay at the fatal oversight.
The lawsuit articulates a failure by the tour operators to appropriately screen and supervise their guides, alongside their purported negligence in not providing adequate safety measures during the safari. This lack of oversight, according to the Manders’ legal representative, goes against basic safety standards expected within the industry.
The Manders' attorney, Paul Slager, emphasized, “There are basic safety standards that businesses are expected to follow, including those in the safari tour industry. And those were not followed, and the consequences here were absolutely devastating.”
On the other hand, Rodney Gould, representing African Portfolio, argues that the company's role was merely organizational. “My client didn’t conduct the safari. It arranged it. It booked all the components," Gould explained, distancing the company from direct responsibility over the conduct of the tour itself, which was managed by Chiawa Safaris in Zambia.
Craig Manders is pursuing the lawsuit for both personal loss and the severe emotional trauma experienced from witnessing the attack. “Craig Manders is suing both for the loss of his wife and the impact that has on him and his life,” stated Slager.
His attorney added, "And he also has a claim for having witnessed what happened to her, having seen the attack, which is unthinkable. It’s unimaginable.” The case brings to light the critical need for stringent safety measures and thorough guide training within wildlife tourist attractions to prevent such tragedies.
Slager also noted, “We’re doing this because this should never have happened.” This statement reflects a determination to seek justice and perhaps change how safari tours are conducted to ensure tourist safety in the future.
“It’s a horrible tragedy when somebody goes on one of these trips and is injured or killed. It's awful,” Gould remarked, acknowledging the profound loss and grief that such incidents bring about.
The lawsuit against African Portfolio remains pending, with both sides preparing for a legal battle that centers around responsibility and preventive measures in wildlife tourism. As this case unfolds, it may set a significant precedent on the responsibilities of tour operators in ensuring the safety of their clients amidst the unpredictable nature of wild animals.
This tragic incident not only highlights the inherent risks associated with wildlife tours but also underscores the imperative for clear communication, proper safety equipment, and capable supervision to protect tourists from similar fates.
