Today, July 14, 2010, marks the 50th anniversary of the day that Jane first stepped onto the shores of Lake Tanganyika to begin her pioneering chimpanzee research in what is now Gombe National Park. To celebrate this tremendous milestone, Jane is spending the month of July in Africa including time in Gombe, the site of her groundbreaking field study. Jane will enjoy today reflecting and celebrating with local members of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots.

The photos below just came in from Tanzania and Jane wanted to be sure to share them with you on this special day! 

Like on her first day in Gombe, Jane arrives on the shores of Lake Tanganyika via boat. Fifty years ago, Jane was accompained by her mother Vanne. In Reason for Hope Jane writes of this journey: "I gazed at the rugged terrain and tried to imagine myself living and working there. I remember wondering how on earth I would manage to find the chimpanzees."

Jane takes a minute to reflect at one of her favorite places on earth, the waterfall in Gombe's Kakombe Valley.

Surrounded by friends, Jane looks out on Lake Tanganyika and admires the sunset.

Jane on the shores of Lake Tanganyika surrounding Gombe. Today, we celebrate the extraordinary living legacy of Gombe and all that Gombe has yet to reveal.

Photos by Bill Wallauer

Text by John Trybus