"She's so slay" "Such a sweet girl": Colorado fans send warm wishes to Buffs' mascot Ralphie on 4th birthday

Ralphie, the cherished buffalo mascot of the University of Colorado Buffaloes, turned four on May 27, 2024. Celebrated nationwide, fans poured out affection and warm wishes for Ralphie, affectionately known as "Ember."

Colorado fans sent in their warm wishes to "Ember" on her 4th birthday, with one fan in awe of her, saying:

"She's so slay ugh love her."

Ig@cubuffsralphie

The onslaught of love for Ralphie continued, with another fan calling her a "sweet girl."

"Happy Birthday Ember! You are such a sweet girl ❤️"

Ig@cubuffsralphie

Ig@cubuffsralphie

Integral to CU football tradition, Ralphie, the sixth bison to fulfill the role since 1967, leads the team onto the field with her iconic runs. Known for her spirited horseshoe-pattern sprints around Folsom Field before each half of home games, her arrival is heralded by the announcer’s enthusiastic "Here comes Ralphie!"

While often referred to as a buffalo, Ralphie is actually an American bison. Female bison are often chosen for their smaller size and calmer disposition. Ralphie can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, requiring a team of five handlers to guide her.

These handlers are part of a dedicated group of approximately 15 student-athletes known as "Ralphie Handlers," who earn varsity letters for their dedication. They commit over 20 hours weekly to training, practicing and caring for Ralphie, sharing the honor of running with her at games.

Ralphie's image has also embarked on space adventures, with it traveling on instruments designed by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). Over the past three decades, Ralphie has symbolically explored the International Space Station, the moon and the rings of Saturn.

The storied history of the University of Colorado's mascot, Ralphie

Since 1934, the buffalo has stood as the esteemed mascot of the University of Colorado, with live bison intermittently gracing football sidelines. In 1957, Mr. Chips made history as the program's first named bison.

Ralphie I, initially a mere spectator, transitioned to a field runner in 1967, designed to instill fear in opposing teams. The origin of her name, originally spelled "Rraalph," remains a subject of debate, ultimately evolving to Ralphie by the end of her inaugural season.

Despite being kidnapped by Air Force Academy students in 1970, she garnered further fame as the university's 1971 Homecoming Queen. Ralphie II debuted in 1978, succeeding Ralphie I.

Tragically, Ralphie II passed away unexpectedly in 1987, prompting Ralphie III to step in earlier than planned, becoming the first to don a blanket around her body. Ralphie IV's journey to Colorado University began after being abandoned by her herd and surviving a coyote attack. Ralphie V earned a reputation as the swiftest and most robust of the line.

According to Taylor Stratton, who manages the Ralphie program in Colorado, the bison lives on an undisclosed private ranch with a companion and other animals. This sanctuary keeps her safe. However, addressing a rumor regarding where she lives, Stratton said:

"My favorite one is that she actually lives underneath Folsom Field, which I tell everybody it's true. So I'm just like, 'No, she definitely does. It's really easy. I just show up. Take this secret Area 51-style elevator down to underneath Folsom and we've got a full synthetic sun for an entire fake pasture we've built." (Via 9news.com)

In 2021, Ralphie VI, a young bison at just 15 months old and weighing 500 pounds, made her first appearance in the public.