Crossword Genius

Animal takes me into California (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

camel

'animal' is the definition.
(I know that Camel is a animal)

'me into california' is the wordplay.
'into' is an insertion indicator.
'california' becomes 'cal' (short for California).
'me' inserted inside 'cal' is 'CAMEL'.

'takes' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for camel that I've seen before include "One travelling in caravan" , "Pale brown - animal" , "Yellowish" , "Beastly type" , "Old WWI plane" .)

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