A New Jersey man whose wife was killed by a hippo during an African safari has filed a lawsuit alleging that their tour operator was negligent in failing to keep her safe. Craig Manders says in the suit that he witnessed the horrifying death of his wife Lisa, 70, who was killed in Zambia last year during a safari organized by a Connecticut company, African Portfolio.
Rod Gould, a lawyer for African Portfolio, described the incident as a terrible but "really unusual" tragedy. He said the company arranges tours and works with the most reputable safari lodges in Africa but is not responsible for what goes on during the trips. It organizes tours," Gould said. We're not responsible if the airline loses luggage. Known for being fiercely territorial and aggressive, hippos are among the most dangerous animals on Earth.
Despite their size β adult males typically weigh over 3, pounds β hippos can run fast over short distances, reaching speeds upward of 20 mph. But the guides, including at least one armed with a rifle, left the area, the suit says, leaving the Manders and others in their group to observe the hippo without any protection. Then, without warning, the hippo lifted its head and charged out of the water toward Lisa Manders, according to the lawsuit. The massive animal caught up with Manders and attacked her, the suit says.
A mother of three from Cranford, Manders worked in the financial industry for more than 40 years. This article was originally published on NBCNews. Sign out. Return to Homepage. Vatican postpones sainthood for 'God's influencer' after pope's death AFP.
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