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 publican serves a glass of stout to a donkey in the East End of London, 1960s. (Photo by Steve Lewis/Getty Images)

Families and relatives of the dead cry as they identify their family members at a temporary burial ground March 25, 2011 in Higashi Matsushima , Japan. (Photo by Paula Bronstein /Getty Images)

An Ezo red fox, or kitakitsune, and her cub are seen at night near the city of Sapporo, northern Japan, 15 May 2022. Authorities are calling population to avoid contact with the animals due to risks of echinococcosis infection. (Photo by JIJI Press/EPA/EFE)

A child dressed as Radha, the consort of Hindu god Krishna, participates in celebrations to mark Janmashtami festival in Kolkata, India, Friday, August 19, 2022. Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Hindu god Krishna. (Photo by Bikas Das/AP Photo)

A local resident performs traditional horse racing during a celebration marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in northwest China's Qinghai Province, August 4, 2021. (Photo by Xinhua News Agency/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Nor “Phoenix” Diana, 20, female wrestling champion from Malaysia and the world's first hijab-wearing professional wrestler makes her debut UK match at «Wrestle Queendom 3» tournament organised by Pro Wrestling EVE in West London, England on January 11, 2020. The Phoenix takes on British professional wrestler Zoe Lucas – winning the match after forcing Lucas into submission. The Malaysian Wrestlecon Champion used to compete in a mask to avoid being recognised. (Photo by Guy Corbishley/Alamy Live News)

Dancers from Kyiv and Dnipro preparing themselves in the wings for a performance at the Kyiv National Opera House on June 24, 2022. (Photo by Julian Simmonds/The Guardian)