Craig Manders, a New Jersey husband, has sued a U.S.-based tour company after his wife, Lisa, was fatally attacked by a hippo during a safari in Africa.
RELATED: Say WHAT?! Washington Man Charged For Allegedly Killing His Wife Two Weeks After They Got Married
More Details On Lisa Manders Being Fatally Attacked By A Hippo During Safari In Africa
According to USA Today, the fatal incident occurred on June 5, 2024. At the time, Craig and Lisa were on a “bush walk” tour at the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Furthermore, Lisa was standing by a river when “suddenly and without warning,” a “partially-submerged” hippo “lifted its head and charged from the water.”
“Although Lisa Manders attempted to flee, she was unable to escape, and the hippopotamus violently attacked her… crushing her head and body with its bite,” the lawsuit reportedly asserts.
Craig Manders reportedly witnessed the attack on his wife. This reportedly left him “emotionally debilitated and traumatized,” per the lawsuit.
More Details On The New Jersey Husband Craig Manders’ Lawsuit
Per the outlet, the lawsuit asserts that African Portfolio, a Connecticut-based tour company, was negligent and failed to provide a safe environment during the safari. Additionally, the lawsuit asserts that the company failed to inform the couple how dangerous hippos are and even encouraged Craig, Lisa, and others to approach the animal.
“Had we understood the dangers posed by the hippopotamus, we never would have agreed to be in such close contact while on foot,” Manders reportedly said in a statement to the press.
Per the outlet, hippos weigh over 3,000 pounds, have sharp tusks, and can run short distances at a speed of 30 mph.
According to USA Today, Chiawa Lodge, the company that arranged the safari, has issued a statement. The company reportedly asserted 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,” the statement reportedly added.
Per the outlet, Craig Manders is seeking at least $15,000 in damages to pay for his wife’s funeral arrangements.
A New Jersey Woman Previously Made Headlines For Coming Into Contact With Tiger At Zoo
As The Shade Room previously reported, last August, a New Jersey woman made headlines for climbing over a fence at a zoo. Furthermore, the fence enclosed a 500-lb. Bengal tiger. Additionally, footage even surfaced of the woman petting the tiger, and it narrowly biting her.
Later that month, the woman was identified following the footage going viral.
