Minnesota's Cloud Rat Zoo Exhibit The Minnesota Zoo has now aquired a Northern Luzon Slender-tailed Cloud Rat. The Minnesota Zoo is only the second zoo in the country to exhibit this species of cloud rat. The Bronx zoo in New York has only about 10 individuals and is very particular about who receives any surplus animals. The male we received was from their most recent litter and was born in March 2001. We hope to receive a female from Bronx when one becomes available. The Philippine government is very restrictive on any importations of their native fauna and it would be very difficult to receive any animals directly from their native country. The Northern Luzon Slender-tailed Cloud Rat is at a lower risk/near threatened exsistance in the wild. Description: The Northern Luzon Slender-tailed Cloud Rat is variable but typically predominantly white with a distinct black mask and collar. Pure white specimens are also known. Upon birth, its color is white and as it grows older, its coloration changes. They are distinguished from other murid rodents by their large size and densely furred tail. Adults head and body length is 12"-20", tail length is 8"-14", and weight is about 31/2 - 5 pounds. (Males 2.5-3.0 kg; females 2.0-2.5 kg).