## Dolphins ‘deliberately get high’ on puffer fish nerve toxins by carefully chewing and passing them around

Authored by independent.co.uk

Dolphins are thought of as one of the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom – and experts believe they have put their ingenuity to use in the pursuit of getting “high”.

In extraordinary scenes filmed for a new documentary, young dolphins were seen carefully manipulating a certain kind of puffer fish which, if provoked, releases a nerve toxin.

Carefully chewing on the puffer and passing it between one another, the marine mammals then enter what seems to be a trance-like state.

“After chewing the puffer gently and passing it round, they began acting most peculiarly, hanging around with their noses at the surface as if fascinated by their own reflection.

The documentary makers used spy cameras hidden in fake turtles, fish and squid to film 900 hours of footage showing dolphins in their natural habitats.

The scenes showing them “using” puffer fish will feature in the second episode of the series, which starts on Thursday.

It is the latest in a long run of wildlife documentaries made by Downer which use similar spy camera techniques. »

### Former Elder Scrolls Online boss describes Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin closing as a turning point at Xbox: 'I know where this is going'

Authored by pcgamer.com

To hear Firor tell it, the closure of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks on the same day was recognized as a sign of things to come inside Xbox.

Firor said that the presence of industry veterans at ZeniMax Online primed them to recognize this likely meant more hardship to come.

"[The Elder Scrolls Online team] was hundreds and hundreds of people by that point," said Firor. »

### Third sloth, Dumpling, dies after rescue from Sloth World

Authored by orlandoweekly.com

One day after the Central Florida Zoo lost its second former Sloth World sloth, Habanero, the zoo has said yet another goodbye.

A total of 13 rescued sloths were donated from unopened attraction Sloth World to the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford last week.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission first uncovered the deaths of 31 sloths under Sloth World’s care back in August 2025. »

### Ukraine accuses Russia of breaking unilateral ceasefire

Authored by dw.com

The Russian strikes came just hours before a unilaterally proposed Ukrainian ceasefire and days before Russia itself intends to observe a ceasefire.

Ukraine said on Wednesday that Russia had violated a unilateral ceasefire called by Kyiv by attacking Ukrainian cities overnight with more than 100 combat drones and three missiles.

On Wednesday morning, he said that Russia had breached a unilateral ceasefire declared by Ukraine by launching 108 combat drones and three missiles at Ukrainian cities. »

### Poll: Trump blamed for gas prices as Democrats gain midterm edge

Authored by npr.org

Poll: Trump blamed for gas prices as Democrats gain midterm edge.

Democrats also have the edge on enthusiasm to vote, which is critical in midterm years when turnout is expected to be lower than in presidential-election years.

White, college-educated voters traditionally vote at higher rates, and they have trended toward Democrats in the age of Trump. »

## In pictures

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