Zookeepers from the city of Wenling have not been able to identify the creature and now believe they may have stumbled across a new type of monkey or possum,
Daily Mail reports.
The rat-like animal has a marbled tortoise-shell coloured fur with pointy paws and a bushy tail.
The zoo said the animal measures about 25cm in length and liked to eat grass.
Wenling Zoo manager Wang Gang told news website SINA zoologists had not been able to identify the creature.
"I have consulted animal experts from Hanghou, Shanghai and Wenzhou, but right now no one is able to tell me what this little creature is called, " Mr Wang said.
Keepers have said they will continue to monitor the animal's development in the hope that it may grow into something more recognisable
