Among the cheapest zoo exhibits? (4)

I believe the answer is:

apes

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

'exhibits?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'among the cheapest zoo' is the wordplay.
'among' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'APES' is hidden in the letters of 'cheapest zoo'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apes that I've seen before include "Species of primate" , "Parrots" , "Large primates" , "Imitates in every aspect" , "Mimics like primates" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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