Bhubaneswar: Their savannah-themed habitat covering 2,329 square metres at Nandankanan Zoological Park is nearly ready, while their source zoo was identified almost two years ago, but residents will have to wait to see two pairs of African cheetahs in the city.More than two years after plans were announced to introduce two pairs of African cheetahs to Nandankanan Zoological Park, the ambitious project remains in limbo as Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is yet to grant final approval.Nandankanan authorities had identified a zoo in South Africa for sourcing the animals, while the construction of a dedicated cheetah enclosure is almost complete. Despite fulfilling several requirements and making modifications to the original proposal, the project continues to await the green signal from the apex zoo regulator.Zoo deputy director Pradeep Mirase said authorities have responded to multiple queries raised by the CZA and incorporated suggested changes into the master plan.“We have discussed the matter with the CZA director. As per the CZA suggestions, the enclosure is also nearly ready,” Mirase said.The proposed exhibit has been designed as an African savannah-themed habitat covering 2,329 square metres, with the main exhibit area spread across 1,852.5 square metres.Officials said the enclosure aims to replicate the natural savannah environment and provide the large carnivores with adequate space to run, explore and exhibit their natural behaviour.Species-specific enrichment features have also been included to support the animals’ physical and mental well-being while enhancing visitor experience.However, the prolonged approval process indicates that the cheetahs are unlikely to arrive in Odisha this year. Even after obtaining CZA clearance, Nandankanan will have to secure permission from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), a mandatory requirement for importing animals from a foreign country. The CZA approval is a prerequisite for obtaining the DGFT clearance.Earlier, zoo authorities had decided to transport one pair each of male and female African cheetahs to Odisha by sea rather than by cargo aircraft. Officials estimate that sourcing the animals, handling, crating, transportation, documentation and other logistics will cost the state govt around Rs 2 crore.Of the total project cost, nearly Rs 50 lakh is expected to be spent on shipping alone.