Racegoers attend day one of The Randox Health Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse on April 12, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by News Group Newspapers Ltd)

A hyena kisses his own reflection while appearing to walk on water. (Photo by Jake De Wet/Caters News Agency)

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)

“Red Arrows” at the 2016 royal air tattoo, RAF Fairford, UK. By Jonny Williams, finalist: action. (Photo by Jonny Williams/UK National Geographic Traveller Photography Competition 2018)

Palestinians watch a man performs acrobatics on the beach of Gaza City, Friday, June 4, 2021. (Photo by Khalil Hamra/AP Photo)

Aerial view of Taxodium Distichum in full blossom at a maze area of a wetland park on January 6, 2023 in Xiamen, Fujian Province of China. (Photo by Wu Wei/VCG via Getty Images)

A person holds an umbrella against strong wind and rain as he walks on a street Friday, June 2, 2023, in Kawasaki near Tokyo, as a tropical storm was approaching. (Photo by Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photo)

Balloons light up as they are tethered to the ground as they take part in the night glow during the Isle of Wight Balloon Festival at Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, England on Saturday, May 27, 2023. (Photo by Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images)