By DUSTY RICKETTS
BONIFAY ? Orlando was largely swampland before Walt Disney started building what has become the world?s largest theme park there more than 40 years ago.
Similarly, Bonifay today is a small city with fewer than 3,000 residents just north of Interstate 10 in Holmes County. But that?s bound to change if plans to bring the first major theme park to Northwest Florida move forward.
Blue Dolphin II Inc. recently announced it had partnered with the Mutual of Omaha?s ?Wild Kingdom? co-host Jim Fowler to develop more than 1,000 acres as a recreational and education theme park south of I-10 and east of State Road 79.
More than 500 animal species ranging from raptors to giraffes will live in their natural habitat inside the park. Visitors will be able to see the animals on safari trips in specially-made vehicles and walking tunnels, said Barbara Farris, owner of Blue Dolphin II.
?We want the people to be able to walk out and see the animals (in their natural environment),? Farris said. ?The park is going to be open to the animals; the people will be in the cages. It really will be like in Africa.?
The groundbreaking on Jim Fowler?s Life in the Wild theme park is expected in about six months, Farris said.
Construction will take about two years before the park will be ready to open.
The safari park is already drawing some national attention. Farris said she has spoken to the Animal Planet network for a television series to be shot at the park after it opens.
No agreements have been reached yet.
Farris has been working on the plans for the Life in the Wild theme park for four years. The park originally was going to be located near the Shoal River in Crestview, but the land deal Farris was working on fell through.
At that time, Farris had discussions with Dollywood, country music star Dolly Parton?s theme park in Tennessee, and Busch Gardens about possibly bringing one of those parks to Okaloosa County.
Farris ultimately decided to go with a safari theme, which attracted Fowler?s attention.
?When I met Jim Fowler, he was just a swell character,? Farris said. ?It?s not only a park; it?s going to be educational.?
After the Crestview deal fell through, Farris moved the project to the Bonifay area, where she recently negotiated for the final tract for what will eventually be a 7,000-acre development that will take seven to 10 years to build.
Jim Fowler?s Life in the Wild safari park is just the first phase of the larger project. The larger park will also feature a 15, 000-seat amphitheater that will have an estimated 30 to 40 music acts performing throughout the year.
The Celebrity Coast Theme Park will be a more traditional theme park and initially have five roller coasters and other exhibits. That will be completed after the safari park, Farris said.
The theme park will also eventually feature a golf course, restaurants and lodging designed to look like tree houses.
They have a lot of other rescued animals, as well. It?s really a neat place, with a gift shop and all.
