Christine, We have recently installed a full-sized, cast mastodon skeleton in our lower lobby. Like yourself, we spent a great deal of time researching companies, prices, extras, etc. We narrowed our choices down to two companies and proceeded to contact the references for both. The fabrication company we chose was a company called Research Casting (www.recast.com) out of Canada. Throughout the entire process, this company has been the best!! They provided us with all the extra information and installation help we needed. I recommend the wholeheartedly to anyone considering the purchase of any sort of cast. On the other end of the spectrum, we also recently installed a plesiosaur on our Triangle Green. It is similar in design to the balsa wood "dinosaur" puzzles (i.e. all the pieces are slotted and fit together). To make the project inexpensive and easily changable we choose plywood for the construction. The entire thing was created in-house (our staff created the pattern, transferred it to the wood, cut it out and invited a school group to help assemble it) for under $400. I am certain that something similar could be created for a Mastodon. Patricia McElyea Curator of Collections Arkansas State University Museum [log in to unmask]