BOULDER – Ralphie IV, the beloved University of Colorado's live buffalo mascot who roamed the sidelines for 10-plus seasons (1998-2008), passed away Sunday morning at the age of 19.
She was a month away from turning 20, but within the last week, she had developed an abnormal growth on her left side. Her longtime veterinarian was called and after several tests, it was determined she was suffering from liver failure and was in rapid decline.
There were no treatment options to end her suffering, and on Sunday morning she was humanely euthanized. Her caretaker, John Graves, was present and reported, "She was ready to go today.