They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these striking images of 2017 are no exception. The photo highlights include incredible snapshots of the natural world as well as some awesome animal and human encounters. The vibrant gallery also shows thrill-seekers pushing themselves to the limit with breathtaking stunts captured in perfect clarity. The pictures have been taken by a host of photographers from around the world. Here: The two lion cubs singing their hearts out at Antelope park in Zimbabwe. (Photo by David Jenkins/Caters News Agency)

A Palestinian employee sprays antibiotics on a newborn lion cub at Nama zoo in Gaza City, Saturday, August 13, 2022. Three one-day-old lion cubs were put on display inside a cardboard box Saturday at a Gaza City zoo. The lioness gave birth five days after Israel and Palestinian militants ended a fierce round of cross-border fighting that saw thundering Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian rocket fire. (Photo by Fatima Shbair/AP Photo)

An Oakland Raiders cheerleader performs during an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions in Oakland, Calif., Friday, August 15, 2014. (Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo)

Jared Leto poses with fans for a selfie during the “Clear Channel Media and Entertainment” at the 2014 Cannes Lions on June 18, 2014 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Didier Baverel/WireImage)

People perform Chinese Lion dance in Chinatown during the Chinese Lunar New Year in Lima, Peru on February 5, 2019. (Photo by Guadalupe Pardo/Reuters)

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Pittsburgh, Sunday, November 14, 2021. (Photo by Don Wright/AP Photo)