Would appreciate any tips on making a lamb mold cake for Easter. Really old mold (1940s?) my mom used to use.

Best to spray it or use butter or shortening? 1 white cake mix? Tricks to get it out in 1 piece? (How long to wait after it's been baked?) I remember my mom having toothpicks in hers -- was that just to hold the 2 sections together? Need to bake them in (would it come out easier if you had something to pull on?)

Any other making or decorating tips appreciated.

Thanks very much.