Ark Encounter

A common question voiced by believers and skeptics alike is, “How could Noah fit all the animals on the Ark?” The key to understanding this issue is that Noah and his family brought only land-dependent animals with them on the Ark, and of those, they brought representatives from every kind. Since kinds are typically made up of numerous different species, this means that God only brought select land-dependent representatives of each kind to the Ark. The Animal Kinds teaching bays discuss topics like how many species there are in the world today, what a “created kind” is, the potential mechanisms for the generation of new species within kinds, the differences between biblical creationism and forms of evolution, and the significant shortcomings of the latter. Displayed animal figures include representatives of the dog, cat, Archaeopteryx, and great ape kinds.

In many cases, the biblical “kind” may be approximated by the family level of biological classification.

Noah didn’t preserve two of every species on the Ark but representatives from flying and land animal kinds.

A fossilized marine reptile preserved in the process of giving birth demonstrate instant burial, which is what would occur during the global Flood.

Imagine you had to pack for the Ark—what’s one item you’d bring?

The New Testament affirms Noah’s Flood as real history.

Noah’s Ark was large enough to carry representatives of all of the land animal kinds.

An ichthyosaur preserved in the middle of giving birth verifies that fossilization occurs when something is buried rapidly.

Tonight, the Ark Encounter shines orange in recognition of Reformation Day! While much of the world focuses on darkness, death and candy, we have a message of hope: Jesus Christ is the Light of the World! He conquered death and offers the gift of eternal life to everyone who puts their faith in Him. Orange has historical ties to Protestantism (through William of Orange); and today marks an important anniversary for Protestants. Let’s celebrate October 31 by sharing the gospel and pointing people to Jesus Christ!

Giant fossil graveyards are consistent with the global Flood.

The Bible records the global Flood as a major catastrophe and provides information from which its approximate date can be calculated.

Scripture records that Noah preserved land animal kinds rather than every modern species, fitting thousands of animals aboard the Ark.

What does the Bible say about insects on the ark? How did they survive the global flood if they weren’t onboard?

The biblical dimensions of Noah’s Ark produced a massive ship measuring 300 cubits long.

Our researchers estimate there may have been around 7,000 animals on board the Ark, and there was still sufficient space for food, water, and other storage.

Vast fossil graveyards across thousands of square miles testify to the catastrophic global Flood.

While pumpkin isn’t a part of our animals’ daily diet, it is an approved treat—so during the autumn months, our keepers take full advantage of the seasonal abundance for novel food enrichment. From handing out whole pumpkins to our larger animals to offering pumpkin puree to small mammals, pumpkins might just be the most versatile tool in our enrichment toolbox! Are you a fan of pumpkin, or do you prefer a different fall flavor?

Jesus and His apostles consistently treated Genesis as real history. Their teachings confirm that Noah’s Flood was an authentic global event.

During the year-long global Flood, Noah and his family took care of feeding, watering, and cleaning up after thousands of animals.

Noah had to take pairs of each land animal kind on the Ark, not pairs of every modern species, which significantly reduced the total number of creatures needed on board.