As for how to play:

The giraffe moves like a rook, but moves only one space.

The elephant moves like a bishop, but moves only one space. (Interestingly, in Xiangqi and Tamerlane Chess, the elephant moves precisely two spaces diagonally.)

The chick is directly analogous to the pawn/soldier of Shogi, and is promoted to a full-grown chicken, equivalent to the gold general in Shogi.

The lion is analogous to a king, except that he can win essentially by promoting, as long as it doesn't leave him in check.

Even on this 3×4 board, you are still able to drop in pieces that you captured from your opponent!

Unlike in Shogi, you can drop a chick for mate or have two chicks in a column.