Early animal shelter (3)

I believe the answer is:

ark

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'animal shelter' is the definition.
(ship which shelters animals in the Bible)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ark that I've seen before include "Flood vessel; box (arch.)" , "Boat built to withstand floods" , "Biblical vessel" , "Noah's vessel - in which the Torah scrolls are kept" , "Animal rescue transport" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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