Published: March 1, 2017 By

We all know and love Ralphie. But let’s not forget about “ Alphie” — Ralphie’s cousin and the world’s only known inflatable fur buffalo. An unmistakable presence at CU Boulder festivities (usually outdoors), the friendly giant recently made a trip to San Antonio for the Buffs’ Alamo Bowl appearance. When he’s off the clock, Alphie lives at the Koenig Alumni Center.

alphie infographic

  • 2002:Alphie's debut
  • 2016:Alphie 2's debut

Lafayette, Colo:Alphie's birthplace (in the Boulder Blimp Company)

Some of Alphie's travels:California, Massachusetts, Texas, Winter Park Resort, Denver Zoo

1,985.5miles to Foxborough, Mass., farthest known destination

32number of Alphie appearances in 2016

Inflating Process

  • 960pounds of weights securing him in place
  • 30minutes typical inflation time
  • 15minutes deflation time
  • 2electric blowers to inflate
  • 3"Alphie handlers" inflate him

Fun Facts:

Only known furry buffalo in the world.

After Alphie's first inflation, designers decided to flip his horns to makehim seem more aggressive.

Alphie 2 has new eyes more like a live buffalo's

Making Alphie:

  • 6weeks start to finish
  • 30hours to design
  • 20hours to cut the material
  • 180hours for six sewers to stitch
  • 122yards of fur fabric (interior is nylon)

Alphie's namesame is Ralphie, CU Boulder's live buffalo mascot

Size

  • 12 feet deep
  • 25 feet wide
  • 20 feet high

213pounds deflated, approx.

584.458cubic feet in volume