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)

Women with their faces painted as various Hindu deities take part in a celebration a day after the first democratic constitution was announced in Kathmandu, Nepal September 21, 2015. Nepal adopted its first full democratic constitution on Sunday, a historic step for a nation that has witnessed war, a palace massacre and devastating earthquakes since a campaign to create a modern state began more than 65 years ago. (Photo by Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters)

Bao Bao, the Giant Panda cub is seen by the media for the first time January 6, 2014 inside his glass enclosure at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC, a few days before going on display to the general public. Bao Bao was born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo August 2, 2013. (Photo by Paul J. Richards/AFP Photo)

“Russia's emergencies minister accused local officials on Monday of not doing enough to prevent 171 deaths in weekend floods that raised new doubts about the country's readiness for natural disasters under President Vladimir Putin”. – Andrey Kuzmin via Reuters

A Mexican wearing a period costume re-enacts the battle of Puebla, in the Penon de los Banos neighbourhood of Mexico City, Mexico May 5, 2016. The battle marked the defeat of French forces by Mexican troops and local Indians in the central state of Puebla in 1862. During the re-enactment, participants fired homemade shotguns loaded with gunpowder and hundreds of men dressed as Indian peasants fought mock battles against others dressed as French invaders. (Photo by Henry Romero/Reuters)

A little blue penguin which was found at Papamoa Beach, covered in oil after the Liberian cargo ship, Rena, hit a reef, on October 7, 2011, in Tauranga, New Zealand. Reports of an oil sheen have been spotted on the surface of the water surrounding the ship and two penguins have been found covered in oil. (Photo by SUNLIVE New Zealand/Getty Images)

Fireworks explode over Elizabeth Tower housing the Big Ben clock in London. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press)

Javanese people pray before rituals night carnival “1st Suro” (Javanese calender) during Islamic New Year celebrations at Kasunanan Palace on November 14, 2012 in Solo City, Central Java, Indonesia. Javanese will celebrate the national holiday with ceremonies and rituals marking the 1434th Islamic New Year's Eve or “1st Suro”. The parade started from Keraton Kasunanan and is headed by a group of albino buffaloes, known as Kebo Bule. Local people believe that the parade of Heirlooms and Kebo Bule will bring them a better life. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti)