The Ralphie mascot is a beloved symbol of the University of Colorado Boulder. The tradition of having a live buffalo as a mascot started in the 1930s and has continued to this day. Ralphie is a hulking animal that represents strength, power, and determination. Currently, Ralphie V is the star of the show. She is a female buffalo who leads the CU football team onto the field before every home game. This tradition began in 1966 and has become an iconic part of the university's sporting events.

Colorado's former live buffalo mascot Ralphie IV died Sunday due to liver failure

Ralphie IV, the Colorado live buffalo mascot who roamed the sidelines from 1998 to 2008, died Sunday at the age of 19 due to liver failure, the school announced.

"She was ready to go today," John Graves, her caretaker, said. "It was very peaceful. Almost 20 is fairly old for a buffalo . It really is a sad day for the Ralphie program, the university and for CU fans across the nation. Fans knew Ralphie IV for her right horn that grew crooked, and the handler that had the privilege to work with her knew her for her unique personality."

Ralphie IV, nicknamed "Rowdy" by ranch hands, was donated to Colorado by media mogul Ted Turner in 1998. Her backstory was filled with hardship: Ralphie IV was separated from her mother when she was 1 month old, found in the jaws of a coyote with bite marks around her neck, and bottle fed for four months to recover from that nearly fatal attack. After returning to health, Ralphie IV wouldn't bond with the herd, so she was donated to the university.

Ralphie IV led the Buffs onto the field 75 times during her 10-year career. Following her retirement in 2008, she represented the university at events like the Colorado State Fair.

"She had a great career at the university and enjoyed all the times she led the football team onto the field, both at Folsom and at away stadiums," Graves said. "After retirement, she lived a great life grazing away in her pastures. We lost a great buffalo, a great mascot, and a great icon."

When Ralphie V roamed free: The CU Boulder mascot’s memorable 2008 debut

Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer Handlers try to contain Ralphie V's first official run before the 2008 spring game.

Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer "She was so small she jumped out of her harness, because it was too big for her," said John Graves, who runs the Ralphie handler program, when Ralphie V got loose in 2008.

Cliff Grassmick / Staff Photographer Ralphie V's 2008 debut is the only time a Ralphie has gotten loose during a game in recent years, though John Graves, who runs the Ralphie handler program, said there have been a few times when a Ralphie has simply refused to run.

The running of the University of Colorado’s live buffalo mascot, Ralphie, is a triumphant moment, a glorious flash of the Wild West thundering across Folsom Field as a raucous crowd chants her name.

Except for that one time in 2008, when it was not that.

The setting: a spring game, an annual scrimmage that gives fans the first glimpse of the team before the season begins in the fall.

But in 2008, the players weren’t the only ones making their big debuts. That game marked the first appearance of Ralphie V, the latest in a line of buffaloes that have carried the CU-spangled saddle blanket through Folsom Field.

“I remember it very well,” said John Graves, who runs the Ralphie handler program. “That was her very first public run she ever did. She was only a year old.”

Handlers were hoping for a smooth debut. That did not happen.

Instead of running her route around the stadium and back into her trailer, Ralphie decided to call an audible. Seconds after the gates were lifted, Ralphie got loose of her harness, a few handlers hit the turf and Ralphie was free.

“She was so small she jumped out of her harness, because it was too big for her,” Graves said. “That allowed her to get free momentarily.”

Jason Phillips remembers being at the game and watching it all play out.

“I feel kind of bad, because I just remember it being hilarious,” he said. “Ralphie just runs a guy over right away. Right off the bat I’m thinking, ‘Were they not ready? Did somebody open the gate too soon?’

“My other enduring memory is one guy holding on for dear life.”

Ralphie was corralled, but not before her run drew roars from the crowd.

“I do remember it was a well-attended spring game for some reason,” Graves said. “The fans, they all pulled out their phones and their cameras.”

Added Phillips: “I remember almost cheering her on in the moment. I feel bad, because it’s the handlers’ job to keep her under control, and I’m rooting for her to get loose.”

Thankfully, the excitement didn’t result in any injuries.

“Nobody got hurt, so we can look back and laugh at it,” Phillips said. “It was the most exciting thing that had ever happened at a spring game, that’s for sure.”

Part of the reason that day was so memorable is that Ralphie mishaps are few and far between in recent years.

“I’ve talked to some of the former handlers, and Ralphie I would get loose from time to time,” Graves said. “There are some pictures of her getting loose, and the handlers would fall a lot back then. We do a lot of training now to prevent that.”

Ralphie V’s 2008 debut is the only time a Ralphie has gotten loose during a game in recent years, though Graves said there have been a few times when a Ralphie has simply refused to run.

“There were a few games where Ralphie IV did not want to run,” Graves said. “Her pen opens, the handlers start running and she just stands there. She weighed 1,100 pounds. You can’t make a buffalo do anything she doesn’t want to.”

But for the most part, Ralphie has flawlessly led the team out on to Folsom Field. Except for that one day in 2008, when buffaloes once again roamed the west.

“I have fond memories of that day,” Phillips said.

Colorado Buffaloes select new live mascot — Ralphie VI

The University of Colorado has found its next Ralphie — even if it’s unclear when she will actually make her debut.

Athletic director Rick George wrote in a newsletter sent out to Buffs fans Friday that the university selected a new buffalo to serve as Ralphie VI.

The university previously revealed back in the spring that a female buffalo had been picked to replace Ralphie V, who retired at the end of the 2019 season, according to the sports information department. George wrote this week that she has been training “at a pace the 14-month-old buffalo is comfortable with.”

In addition to a new animal, Taylor Stratton has been selected as the Ralphie program manager after John Graves stepped down at the start of April. Stratton had been the assistant manager the previous four years.

“It’s a whole lot of things,” Graves told The Post. “We look at their temperament, how comfortable they are around humans. We also look at the characteristics of their legs and joints and what they look like (there). And making sure they’re happy and healthy. There’s a whole lot we look at.”

This tradition began in 1966 and has become an iconic part of the university's sporting events. The sight of Ralphie running alongside her handlers, known as "Ralphie Handlers," is a thrilling experience that is unique to CU Boulder. However, being Ralphie is no easy task.

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Of course, it’s up in the air when Ralphie VI will actually run at Folsom Field for the first time.

The Big Ten announced Thursday it was eliminating non-conference football games in 2020, and the Pac-12 is expected to do the same. As it stands right now, CU’s first scheduled home game is Sept. 12 against Fresno State.

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The buffalo can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, and the handlers must have immense strength and agility to keep up with her. It takes a dedicated and well-trained team to safely guide Ralphie around the field. Ralphie not only represents the university's athletic prowess but also embodies the spirit and pride of the CU Boulder community. She is a symbol of the university's commitment to excellence and its dedication to upholding tradition. The presence of Ralphie at games and events brings an excitement and energy that is unmatched. In addition to her appearances at football games, Ralphie also attends other events, such as parades and alumni gatherings, where she serves as a living ambassador for the university. People of all ages are captivated by her majesty and charisma. Overall, Ralphie is much more than just a mascot. She is an integral part of the CU Boulder identity and a cherished symbol of the university's values and traditions. Whether she's thundering across the football field or graciously greeting fans, Ralphie is a true icon that brings joy and pride to the CU Boulder community..

Reviews for "The Ralphie Mascot: A Link to the University's Western Heritage"

- Sarah - 1 star - I found the Ralphie mascot to be quite intimidating and not at all enjoyable to be around. Its size and unpredictability made me nervous whenever it was nearby. I had hoped for a more friendly and approachable mascot for our team. Overall, my experience with the Ralphie mascot was not a positive one.

- Mark - 2 stars - While I appreciate the effort put into the Ralphie mascot, I felt that it lacked creativity and uniqueness. It looked like just another generic animal mascot that you see at every other sporting event. I was hoping for something more original and iconic that would truly represent our team. Unfortunately, the Ralphie mascot fell short in that aspect.

- Michelle - 1 star - The Ralphie mascot was a disappointment to say the least. Its appearance was unappealing and did not reflect the spirit and energy of our team. Additionally, its movements were awkward and clumsy, which made it hard to connect with as a fan. I was left wishing for a mascot that could engage and excite the crowd, but the Ralphie mascot failed to deliver on that front.

The Ralphie Mascot: An Ambassador for Athletics and Academics