A priest is seen looking out of Abuna Yemata church’s only window. Priests cheerfully tell visitors that pregnant women, babies and old people attend Sunday services and no one has fallen off. (Photo by Ethiopia – The Living Churches of an Ancient Kingdom/The American University in Cairo Press/The Guardian)

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)

An Atlantic seal pup lies amongst the rocks at St Martin's Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Britain October 8, 2018. Seal pups are born with fluffy white non-waterproof coats which they moult out in their fourth week. (Photo by Rebecca Naden/Reuters)

Partygoers in Cardiff, England refused to let the rain dampen their Christmas spirits on “Thirsty Thursday”, December 19, 2018. Christmas partygoers got into the party spirit last night as they headed out for some festive fun up and down the country. (Photo by Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema, 21, walks out after the marriage ceremony is completed on October 13, 2011 in Punakha, Bhutan. The Dzong is the same venue that hosted the King's historic coronation ceremony in 2008. The Oxford-educated king is popular in the country and the ceremony will be followed by celebration in the capital and countryside. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)

A person looks at a giant sculpture depicting the funerary mask of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, titled “A Meal Fit for a King” and created by Microdesk, Inc. made out of 8,300 cans of tuna which will be donated to local food banks as part of the Canstruction exhibition in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 11, 2022. (Photo by Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

People look out at the city among 30,375 square feet of mirrors at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York on May 22, 2024. The Parade of Ships is seen from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in NYC as part of the Fleet Week Celebration events. (Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP Photo)

Hollywood superstars George Clooney and Brad Pitt are pictured enjoying a romantic night out with their partners Amal Clooney and Ines de Ramon in Venice. They are also pictured enjoying a picturesque taxi boat ride in Venice before arriving at a restaurant for a double date dinner on September 2, 2024. (Photo by Cobra Team/Backgrid USA)