That is exactly why I'm shocked. The most recent Felid TAG Regional Collection Plan had the Amur Leopard as the only leopard species recommended. But I guess as San Diego is planning on exhibiting Amur Leopard as well elsewhere in the zoo, why not?
Perhaps this is the direction of their new director? I am shocked as well, but with a new director, I'm sure he's been briefed on plans and provides input. I'm not sure how stable these plans are after a management change, but San Diego's in-house team seems to be very influenced by their management.