In a mere 422 days, billions of people will be focused on the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. If one eccentric Dutchman has his wish, they’ll be just as focused on what’s in the River Thames as the 100-meter gold medal race.

Contractor Johan Huibers is finishing up work on construction of an ark that is (Biblically speaking) almost exactly the assumed size of Noah’s ark, approximately 450 feet long and 75 feet wide. Huibers built an initial ark several years ago, but that one was only half the size described in the Bible. With this second rev, Huibers has gone all out.

Built on the shores of Dordrecht, about 60 miles south of Amsterdam, the ark will contain real, stuffed and animatronic animals — all in pairs, of course — with the idea of teaching visitors about Christianity and inspiring schoolchildren.

Huibers’ demo is targeting the millions of Olympic-going fans expected to descend upon the British capital in just over a year’s time. Huibers has formally requested that he sail the ark up to London and moor it on the River Thames as an attraction that people can visit when there is downtime between the various Olympic events. Approval from London mayor Boris Johnson is all it will take.

Once on board, visitors will be treated to all sorts of animal-centric attractions:

The lower deck will feature moving animal models, including a robot lion. The lower deck will feature moving animal models, including a robot lion. Real animals will be kept on the second floor, with a raised viewing area for visitors.

An aviary with free-flying birds will be on the third floor and there will also be living quarters on board for Mr Huibers and his wife.

This second ark has only required three years to build and has cost Huibers an estimated $1.6 million in materials, though much of that has been replenished by the entry fee he charged visitors to hop aboard his first ark.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (top)