Year in Pictures Out: At times, we struggle to fit the lighter, fuzzier moments in life into the Year in Pictures because there are so many compelling images from the more serious and sweeping news stories that happen all year. I thought this photo was worth including because it's not just about the cute critters, but it's also a great moment of connection between man and beast and the photograph is technically and compositionally good.

Stephanie Pilick/EPA
Foster father Yancy Rentz and two almost three week old black crowned crane chicks at Berlin Zoo, Germany, 28 August 2007. Crane chicks are predominantly formed by their parents after hatching out. When born in captivity human caretakers have to act as parents. Berlin Zoo is successful in breading black crowned cranes since 1976.