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.