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)

Crowds Gather For New Year's Ball Drop In Times Square on December 31, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Japanese monkeys snuggle to keep warm at a zoo in Tonosho in Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan on January 24, 2023. (Photo by Kyodo Photo via Newscom/Alamy Live News)

Dancers perform during the Shirasagi-no Mai, or White Heron Dance, at the Sensoji Temple on April 09, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. The parade, which originated in the 8th-12th century in Kyoto, was revived in 1968 to celebrate Tokyo's 100th Anniversary and to wish for peace. The dance is now held twice a year, in April and November, at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations for foreign visitors. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

A couple enjoys viewing illuminated autumn leaves with projection mapping at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden during a preview at the garden in Tokyo, Japan on November 22, 2023. The illumination will start on 22 November through 03 December 2023. (Photo by Kimimasa Mayama/EPA/EFE)

The talent in bubbles unfurled the white Beluga whales living in Shimane Aquarium in Japan.As shown in the picture, have learned to make bubble rings, indicative of high intelligence.Whales blowing air from the mouth to create a stream and immediately after xanafysoun powerfully in the same place so that the bubbles to form a ring.Beluga whales are organized in groups and are social animals. They live in Arctic and sub​​-Arctic and known as "sea canaries" and mimic a wide range of sounds.

Miss USA 2012 Nana Meriwether crowns Miss Connecticut USA Erin Brady the new Miss USA during the 2013 Miss USA pageant at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on June 16, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller)