Crossword Genius

Lord Greystoke's imitative associates (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apes

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'associates' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apes that I've seen before include "Imitates like primates" , "Zoo animals" , "Imitates in every aspect" , "Copies the primates?" , "Large primates" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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