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)

In this Tuesday July 12, 2016 photo, an elephant is lifted by a crane in an upside down position in Lilongwe, Malawi, in the first step of an assisted migration of 500 of the threatened species. African Parks, which manages three Malawian reserves is moving the 500 elephants from Liwonde National Park, this month and next, and again next year when vehicles can maneuver on the rugged terrain during Southern Africa's dry winter. (Photo by Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP Photo)

Indian brides and grooms wait for the start of a mass wedding in New Delhi on June 15, 2014. Some 92 low-income and disabled couples tied the knot in a free mass wedding ceremony organised by the non-profit organisation Narayan Sewa Sansthan. (Photo by Chandan Khanna/AFP Photo)

Camelot, with rider Kris Anderson, wins an exhibition race billed as “The Cameltonian” at the Meadowlands Race Track in East Rutherford, New Jersey June 21, 2014. Run by Hedrick's Promotions in Nickerson, Kansas, this is the third year the race has been run at the track, in tandem with an ostrich race. (Photo by Ray Stubblebine/Reuters)

The Russian One is a new commuter tram that looks like something from a Sci-Fi film. The futuristic tram features LED cabin lighting, felt-covered sofas, wooden handrails, and sliding glass doors that operate by touchscreen. Luckily, photographer Ilya Varlamov was able to snap some pictures of the new Russian One prototype, right from the showroom floor.

People ride a Ferris wheel as fireworks illuminate the sky over Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by David Cheskin/Press Association)

Tara West signals to her partner Natalie Cook during the Bronze final match during the Australian Beach Volleyball Championships at Glenelg Beach on March 13, 2011 in Adelaide, Australia.