Crossword Genius

Tree creature in Kojak manipulated for all to see? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

kinkajou

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'tree creature' is the definition.
'kinkajou' can be an answer for 'creature' (thesaurus). I'm not sure about the 'tree' bit.

'in kojak manipulated for all to see?' is the wordplay.
'manipulated' indicates anagramming the letters.
'for all to see?' becomes 'u' (short for Universal film certificate).
'in'+'kojak'='inkojak'
'inkojak' with letters rearranged gives 'kinkajo'.
'kinkajo'+'u'='KINKAJOU'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for kinkajou that I've seen before include "The potto" , "American native" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app