Safari company sued after hippo kills New Jersey woman

Safari company sued after hippo kills New Jersey woman

A tragic end to a dream vacation.

Lesson Summary: The Dangers of the Wild

This lesson examines a tragic incident where a New Jersey woman, Lisa Manders, was killed by a hippopotamus during a safari in Zambia. Her husband, Craig Manders, is now suing the Connecticut-based tour operator, alleging negligence and failure to warn them adequately about the dangers posed by hippos. The news report details the harrowing event, the attorney's claims that the guides left the group unprotected, and the tour company's statement asserting all safety measures were followed.

Students will explore vocabulary related to legal actions, wildlife dangers, and safety. Comprehension activities will focus on the facts of the case. Discussions will prompt reflection on the responsibilities of tour companies and tourists, the ethics of wildlife tourism, and the inherent risks involved. A role-play will simulate a safety briefing, and a writing task will ask students to consider who bears the most responsibility in such incidents.

Watch the video (at the end of this page) for a general understanding of the content.

Vocabulary: Match these words from the video to their definitions.

Watch the video again listening for specific details.

True / False: Decide if these statements are true or false based on the video.

Multiple Choice: Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer.

Discussion Questions: Safari Safety and Responsibility

• Have you ever been on a safari or seen wild animals up close? What was it like?
• Do you think safaris are too dangerous for tourists?
• Should tourists take more responsibility for their own safety when traveling?
• What kind of warnings or training would you expect before a safari?
• Have you ever been in a dangerous situation while traveling?
• Do you think the safari company should be held responsible for the accident?
• How would you feel witnessing something like that happen to someone close?
• Why do you think people are drawn to wild animal experiences?
• What are some ways to make safaris safer for tourists?
• If you could go on an adventure vacation, where would you go?

Role-Play Activity: Safari Safety Talk

In this role-play, one student is the Safari Guide and the other is a Tourist. The Safari Guide explains safety rules like “Stay in the vehicle,” and “Do not walk too close to the animals."The guide should sound calm but serious and help the tourist understand the dangers of animals like hippos or elephants.

The Tourist is excited to be on the safari and wants to take great photos. They don’t understand how dangerous it can be. They can ask questions like, “Can I take a selfie with the hippo?” and “Are hippos really that dangerous?” The goal is for the Tourist to ask questions and show their excitement, and for the Guide to clearly explain why the safety rules are very important. At the end, the Tourist should understand the risks.

Independent Writing Task: Who Is Responsible for Safari Safety?

Write one persuasive paragraph answering this question: Who is more responsible when an accident happens on a safari—the tour company or the tourist?

Choose one side. For example, you might say the tour company is more responsible because they plan the trip and should keep people safe. Or you might say the tourist is also responsible because they must listen to safety instructions and understand the risks of wild animals. Use your opinion and facts from the video to support your answer.

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