Meet Ralphie VII: Colorado Buffaloes’ new live buffalo mascot makes her debut in home opener against the Wyoming Cowboys

There’s a new mascot in Boulder — and she’s already made a strong first impression. Ralphie VII, the University of Colorado’s live buffalo mascot, made her debut Saturday night at Folsom Field in front of a packed and roaring crowd.

The 1-year-old American Bison sprinted from her pen in the end zone, thundered past midfield, and looped back to her trailer — continuing one of college football’s most electrifying pregame traditions.Ralphie VII now officially takes over from Ralphie VI, also known as Ember, who retired last month after four seasons with the program. Her exit wasn’t due to injury or age, but rather a loss of drive. According to the university, Ember had shown “an indifference to running,” something fans had begun to notice.

She’s now living a peaceful retirement on a ranch alongside Ralphie V, away from the game-day spotlight.

Ralphie VII is younger, faster, and already showing she loves the spotlight

While Ralphie VI may have lost the desire to charge across the field, her successor seems to love it. “Ralphie’s run is iconic and our fans, students, faculty, staff, and alumni take an incredible amount of pride in this tradition which transcends sports,” said Taylor Stratton, who oversees Colorado’s Ralphie Live Mascot Program.

“We’re excited to be adding a new Ralphie to the lineage of incredible buffalo that have represented the University of Colorado and have elevated the fans’ passion for our student-athletes.

” Unlike her predecessor, Ralphie VII is reportedly full of energy and eager to run. She’s already been clocked reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour during practice sprints. The run itself is short but intense – Ralphie bolts from her trailer, loops around midfield, then sprints back, all while being guided by a five-person crew of trained handlers.Those handlers are a part of an exclusive group – the Ralphie team is one of the most competitive and sought-after student programs on campus.

A 50-year-old tradition that still delivers a jolt of adrenaline every Saturday

The Ralphie tradition has been a staple of Colorado football since 1967, and while many schools have live animal mascots, few have anything quite like this. All Ralphies have been female bison, chosen not just for their size (they’re smaller than males) but because they’re easier to guide safely through the chaos of a packed stadium. Each Ralphie has her own personality, and so far, Ralphie VII seems to have the right mix of energy, speed, and temperament to handle the roar of the crowd.

Also read: Jordon Hudson stuns in miniskirt, comforts dejected UNC coach in postgame tunnel moment following crushing defeat against UCF KnightsWith Deion Sanders putting Colorado football back in the national spotlight, Ralphie VII’s debut couldn’t have come at a better time — and she delivered, hooves and all.