Overview

• Ralphie VI, a 5-year-old buffalo nicknamed Ember, was retired Tuesday after program officials determined running was not in her best interest.
• Colorado has begun training Ralphie VII, but the university says she is not yet ready and has not set a debut timeline.
• The Buffaloes will take the field without a live buffalo for Friday’s season opener against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field.
• Ember will move into a companion role on the ranch with Ralphie V and will continue receiving care from the Ralphie Live Mascot Program.
• Ralphie VI appeared in 25 games plus a spring game over four seasons, the shortest tenure of any Ralphie since the tradition began in 1967.