yes, great idea. I recently worked as part of a project at the British Geological Survey, 3D scanning important fossil specimens (
http://www.3d-fossils.ac.uk/). The scans can then be shared, or printed out, for educational or research purposes.
Perhaps souvenirs such as these might be a way to help fund the project and make it more sustainable.

On the downside, it is probably just a matter of time before this technology is used to plagiarise/pirate sculptures. That could have implications for the world of animal toys.
Anyhow, good luck with your project!