Exclusive Footage: Lion Cubs Affected By Mysterious, Paralyzing Disease

In 2016, vets found four lion cubs at a South African game reserve struggling to stand. A mysterious condition appeared to have paralysed them. Further research found that the cubs likely suffered from a condition called white muscle disease.

Normally seen in livestock, the disease strikes through a poor diet. A lack of vitamin E and the mineral selenium gives way to oxidation that destroys muscles. The infected muscles deteriorate and can lead to heart failure, which was the cause of death in two of the cubs. But of the four cubs studied, two survived. More cubs in the area may have contracted the disease.