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 performer wearing a face shield looks on during a ceremony held by the Bangkok National Museum to celebrate the return of two ancient relics, believed to have been stolen from Thailand about 60 years ago, from the United States, in Bangkok, Thailand on May 31, 2021. (Photo by Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters)

Pakistani Rangers take part in the beating retreat ceremony at the India-Pakistan Wagah border post, about 35 km from Amritsar on March 9, 2022. (Photo by Narinder Nanu/AFP Photo)

The Langdale Pikes in the Lake District in North West England are illuminated on September 14, 2020 by a team of 30 climbers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the local mountain rescue service. (Photo by Tom Mcnally/Triangle News)

A blue tit takes umbrage at a wing mirror at Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Arger Fen & Spouse’s Vale reserve in United Kingdom on April 16, 2021. (Photo by Angela Lord/Triangle News)

Seen in a long camera exposure, the Caldor Fire burns on Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Eldorado National Forest, Calif. (Photo by Noah Berger/AP Photo)

Three white tigers cub born on January 05, 2020 stand beside their mother Orissa at the zoological park of Amneville, northeastern France, on March 9, 2020. (Photo by Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP Photo)

American singer-songwriter and businesswoman Beyoncé, 43, looks like she means business as she promotes her whisky brand in the first decade of October 2024. (Photo by Instagram)