A working replica of Noah's Ark opened in Schagen, the Netherlands

 

 

 

 

 

 

This replica of the biblical Noah's Ark was built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

The ark is 150 cubits (68.58 metres) long, 30 cubits (13.72 metres) high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.

A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.

Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.

There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.

The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder.

Life-sized models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.

(thanks to Bert for sending this in)