In the Sumerian flood story, the role of Utnapishtim/Noah is played by Ziusudra; in the Old Babylonian version, by Atrahasis. In the Mesopotamian accounts, as in the Bible, a boat is built in anticipation of the flood, various species of animals enter the boat with the hero, birds are loosed to determine if the flood has subsided, and a sacrifice is offered when the birds do not return.