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 Feb. 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. 

“Craig and Lisa, in contrast, were neither fully aware nor adequately warned,” it says.

Craig and Lisa Manders were on a guided walk in Zambia in June when a hippo charged out of the water, grabbed Lisa Manders by its mouth and crushed her head and body with its bite, according to the lawsuit filed against African Portfolio. (Dignity Memorial)

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.”

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.