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 man dressed as Santa Claus skateboards down Fifth Avenue towing a dog before the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center in New York on December 5, 2019. (Photo by John Angelillo/UPI/Barcroft Media)

Revellers took to the bars and clubs of Birmingham, UK on Thursday night, April 6, 2023, knowing that they didn't have to go to work on Good Friday. (Photo by Roland Leon/News Group Newspapers Ltd)

Sеxy brunet striptease dancer dancing lap dance in front of man. (Photo by Blue SkyImages/Getty Images)

“Spare bits = spare bots. Time on hands + obsession with uselessness = make trivial things. Made from capacitors, diodes, resistors, leds, bits of wire, solder, and time...” – Lenny & Meriel. Photo: “9V tragedy”. (Photo by Lenny&Meriel)

A woman wearing cut-off jeans and a halter-neck sun top in St Tropez, 1972. (Photo by Roy Jones)

American rapper Ashnikko poses as she arrives for the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain on February 11, 2023. (Photo by Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters)

A model falls as she presents a creation by fashion designer Limak during the Colombo Fashion Week in Colombo on March 7, 2024. (Photo by Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP Photo)