The series is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, with Patterson also serving as an executive producer on the show.

In October 2013, CBS gave Zoo a rare pilot production commitment for a pitch originating from its sibling studio, CBS TV Studios, before ordering it straight-to-series with 13 episodes in July 2014.

James Wolk was the first actor cast in November 2014, followed later that month by Nora Arnezeder and Nonso Anozie, while Kristen Connolly and Billy Burke rounded out the main cast in January 2015.

Gracie Dzienny, who first appeared as a guest star in the season two finale, was promoted to series regular for the third season.

Filming began in New Orleans in January 2015 for the first season, but production moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, for both the second season (starting February 2016) and the third season (starting mid-January 2017).

Despite airing for three seasons, the show was cancelled by CBS in October 2017 due to low ratings, ending after its third season.

Zoo aired internationally the day after its U.S. premiere in Australia, was simulcast in Canada, and also broadcast in the UK and Ireland on Sky One and in Israel on Yes Action.