Ralphie the Buffalo facts for kids

Ralphie V in 2017

Ralphie the Buffalo is the live mascot for the University of Colorado Buffaloes sports teams. The current Ralphie, named Ember, is the sixth bison to be the mascot since 1967. Ralphie is famous for running in a horseshoe shape around Folsom Field before each half of home football games. She starts her run when the announcer shouts, "Here comes Ralphie!" Ralphie often leads the football team onto the field. Many people think she is one of the best mascots in sports!

Even though she is called a buffalo, Ralphie is actually an American bison. Female bison are chosen because they are smaller, not as strong, and calmer than male bison. Ralphie can run as fast as 25 miles per hour! It usually takes five people to guide her around the field. These people are called "Ralphie Handlers." They are student-athletes who earn special awards for their hard work. They spend over 20 hours each week training, practicing, and taking care of Ralphie. They take turns running with her at the games.

How the Ralphie Program Started

Ralphie I

The buffalo became the official mascot for the University of Colorado in 1934. Live bison sometimes appeared at football games for many years. In 1957, a bison named Mr. Chips was the first to be part of the program.

The first Ralphie, Ralphie I, was given to the university in 1966. She was donated by John Lowery, whose child was a student at CU. At first, she only watched from the sidelines. But by 1967, people decided she should run on the field before games. This was meant to make the other team feel nervous! Her first name was "Rraalph," but it changed to Ralphie by the end of her first season. In 1970, students from the Air Force Academy tried to kidnap Ralphie I. She was also named the school's Homecoming Queen in 1971.

All the Ralphies after Ralphie I have also been donated to the university. Ralphie II first ran in 1978. This was after Ralphie I made her last run. In 1986, some students from Oklahoma State snuck into a animal clinic. They spray-painted "OSU" on Ralphie's back. Ralphie II sadly died on September 19, 1987, the day after a game. Ralphie III was ready to take over in 1988, but she had to start sooner than planned. She was the first Ralphie to wear a special blanket around her body. Ralphie IV was left alone by her family and attacked by a coyote. She was rescued and then given to the university. Ralphie V was known as the strongest and fastest of all the Ralphies. Ralphie VI was introduced in 2021. She was only 15 months old and weighed 500 pounds!

Meet the Ralphie Handlers

The 2017 Handlers posing with Ralphie

The Ralphie Handlers are about 15 student-athletes. They volunteer more than 20 hours each week. They train physically, practice, make public appearances, and care for Ralphie.

At first, they were called "The Men Who Run with Ralphie." In 1970, their name changed to "Ralphie Runners." As their jobs grew to include caring for Ralphie, they became "Ralphie Handlers" in the 1980s. Handlers started earning special awards in 1987. Even though they are not under NCAA rules, the school's sports department expects them to meet the same high standards as other athletes. The first female Handler joined the team in 1992.

Taylor Stratton has been the program manager and head coach since 2020. She took over from John Graves. Before him, Gail Pederson led the program for 17 years. Both Taylor Stratton and her helpers were Ralphie Handlers when they were students at Colorado. The program manager decides if Ralphie will run. A run can be canceled if it's not safe or good for Ralphie.

Ralphie's Run and Other Activities

Ralphie IV runs the field with five Ralphie Handlers at the CU-KSU game in 2006

Ralphie III

Ralphie travels to and from her home ranch in a special trailer. It has insulation and vents to control the air and temperature. The inside walls and floor have rubber mats to keep her comfortable. There is enough room for her to walk, turn around, and lie down. Special gates help the Handlers safely put on her harness and bring her in and out.

Ralphie is most famous for her run across the field. This happens before each half of the Buffaloes' home games. She usually arrives at the field about an hour before the game starts. She stays in her pen until it's almost time to run. When the announcer shouts, "Here comes Ralphie!" her pen opens. Ralphie and her Handlers begin their run. Usually, five Handlers run with Ralphie. Two are in front to steer her. Two are in the back to help guide her. One Handler is in the very back to control her speed. The football team follows closely behind her. Ralphie and her Handlers follow a horseshoe-shaped path. They turn around before reaching the other end zone. Ralphie then runs into her trailer at almost full speed near the visitor's entrance. Handlers who are not running with Ralphie stand around the field. They help guide Ralphie along her path. Ralphie does her run again just before the second half of the game.

When Ralphie meets fans at events, she stays in her pen. Handlers stand around her pen to keep fans from getting too close. They make sure she is comfortable. Handlers do not let fans pet her or surround her. Ralphie rarely travels to away games, except for special bowl games. Ralphie IV did go to a road game against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 23, 2006. A TV crew documented the trip and showed a special on a sports show.

Ralphie's Home Ranch

A look inside the ranch where Ralphie lives. The location is undisclosed to the public

Ralphie lives on a ranch in a secret place. This keeps her safe and gives her a great place to live. Only people who work with the program can visit her there.

Ralphie has shelters to protect her from bad weather. But the program says she likes being outside no matter the temperature or rain. Ralphie's pasture has big scratching posts. These are made from old street sweeper brushes given by the city of Boulder. She uses them mostly in the spring to help shed her thick winter fur. Ralphie also has large traffic cones, big rubber balls, and large tractor tires that she enjoys playing with.

Ralphie eats grass hay every day. This adds to the grass she eats from the pasture. She can eat up to 30 pounds of grass and hay daily! She also drinks 10-15 gallons of water. Her waste is collected daily and turned into compost. In the summer, different ways are used to control flies around Ralphie.

Besides the Ralphie Handlers and coaches, Ralphie also has a veterinarian. The vet gives her health check-ups and shots. The school's official Ralphie website says that her home is checked every year. This is done by a university committee that cares for animals. The program also has a special license. This means it can have surprise checks to make sure it follows the Animal Welfare Act.

List of Ralphies

* Through November 11, 2023

Images for kids

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  Ralphie IV at a road game in Athens, Georgia

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  Ralphie IV is made available to the public during the football season.

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  Ralphie V, at her public introduction in 2007.

See also

• Colorado Buffaloes football
• University of Colorado Boulder
• Folsom Field
• Mascot
• American bison