Separated from leader, ran away from Croatian animal (5)

I believe the answer is:

coati

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'animal' is the definition.
(mammal of Central and South America)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for coati that I've seen before include "Racoon-like omnivorous creature of Central and South America" , "Raccoon relative" , "South American animal" , "S. and Central American raccoon-like animal" , "Oi cat ! (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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