Crossword Genius

OK, a quiet one is the forest giraffe (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

okapi

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

'the forest giraffe' is the definition.
'okapi' can be an answer for 'giraffe' (okapi is a kind of giraffe). I'm not certain of the 'the forest' bit.

'ok a quiet one' is the wordplay.
'quiet' becomes 'p' (music symbol for 'piano', ie soft or quiet).
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'ok'+'a'+'p'+'i'='OKAPI'

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for okapi that I've seen before include "African leaves fancier" , "Horned ruminant" , "African mammal related to giraffe" , "Animal of the giraffe family (much loved by crossword setters)" , "Central African animal" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app