Full Size Replica of Noah’s Ark Opens in the Netherlands

A rainy day in the Netherlands seemed appropriate as a replica of Noah's Ark opened its doors to the public this week.

The ark’s creator, Johan Huibers expects up to 3,000 visitors a day to his attraction which is moored in the city of Dordrecht, just south of Rotterdam.

Based on the Biblical story in which Noah is divinely instructed to build a wooden boat to save his family and various species of animals from a massive flood that God will send to cover the earth.

Johan followed the proportions given in the book of Genesis to design his floating zoo. It measures 430 feet long, 95 feet wide and 75 feet high. Certainly not big enough to house two of every species of animal, but ample room for stalls filled with wild animal replicas, a petting zoo, a restaurant, movie theater and gift shop.

Huibers says it all began as a dream 20-years ago as a way to make people ask questions and go looking for answers about history and faith.