Ralphie the Buffalo facts for kids

Ralphie V in 2017

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

Even though she's called a "buffalo," Ralphie is actually an American bison. Female bison are always chosen for the role because they are a bit smaller, not as strong, and usually calmer than males. Ralphie can run as fast as 25 miles per hour! It usually takes five people, called "Ralphie Handlers," to guide her around the field. These handlers are about 15 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 also take turns running with her during games.

The Start of the Ralphie Program

Ralphie I

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

The first bison to become Ralphie I was given to the university in 1966. She was a gift from John Lowery, whose child was a student at CU. At first, she just watched from the sidelines. But by 1967, people decided she should run onto the field before games. This was meant to make the other team feel a bit nervous! Her first name was "Rraalph," but how she got that name is a bit of a mystery. By the end of her first full season, her name changed to Ralphie. In 1970, students from the Air Force Academy actually kidnapped Ralphie I! She was also named the school's Homecoming Queen in 1971.

All the Ralphies who came after her were also donated to the university. Ralphie II made her first run in 1978, right after Ralphie I's last run. In 1986, some pranksters from Oklahoma State snuck into their college's animal clinic. They spray-painted "OSU" in orange letters on Ralphie's back! Sadly, Ralphie II passed away unexpectedly in 1987, the night after a game. Ralphie III was already getting 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 during her runs. Ralphie IV was left alone by her family and attacked by a coyote before she was rescued and given to the university. Ralphie V was known for being the strongest and fastest of all the Ralphies. Ralphie VI was introduced to the public in 2021. She was only 15 months old and weighed about 500 pounds then.

Meet the Ralphie Handlers

The 2017 Handlers posing with Ralphie

The Ralphie Handlers are a team of about 15 student-athletes. They volunteer more than 20 hours every week. Their work includes physical training, practicing runs, making public appearances, and taking care of 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, not just running with her, they became "Ralphie Handlers" in the 1980s. Handlers started earning special awards for their efforts in 1987. Even though they are not under the NCAA rules, the university's Athletic 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, who coached for five years. Before him, Gail Pederson led the program for 17 years. Both Taylor Stratton and her assistants 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 Famous Run and Other Fun

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. This trailer is designed just for her comfort. It has insulation and vents to control the air and temperature. The inside walls and floor are covered with rubber mats. There is enough room for her to walk, turn around, and lie down. Special gates help the Handlers safely put on her harness and guide her in and out.

Ralphie is most famous for her run across the field 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 special pen until it's almost time for her run. When the announcer yells "Here comes Ralphie!", her pen opens, and she and her handlers begin their run. Usually, five handlers run with Ralphie. Two are in front to help steer her. Two are in the back to 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 opposite end zone. The run ends with Ralphie going into her trailer at almost full speed near the visitor's entrance. The handlers who are not running with Ralphie stand around the field to help guide her along her path. Ralphie does her run again just before the second half of the game.

When Ralphie meets fans at tailgates or other events, she stays in her pen. Handlers stand around her pen to make sure fans don't get too close or upset her. They don't let fans pet her or surround her, making sure she feels comfortable. She rarely travels to away games, except for special bowl games. However, Ralphie IV did go to a road game against the Georgia Bulldogs in 2006. An ESPN producer and cameraman filmed her trip and showed a special report on College Gameday that weekend.

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 location. This is to keep her safe and give her the best possible home. Only people who work with the Ralphie program are allowed to visit her there.

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

Ralphie eats grass hay every day, which adds to the grass she eats from grazing. She can eat up to 30 pounds of grass and hay daily. She also drinks 10-15 gallons of water. Her manure is collected daily and turned into compost. During 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 vaccinations. The university's Animal Care and Use Committee checks on the program every year. The program also has a special license from the USDA. This means they can have surprise inspections to make sure they follow the Animal Welfare Act.

All the 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