Maybe her herd is on the other side of where the cave is. It may be one reason the raptors, or fast biters, whichever they were, are in the cave. It's not very bright for them to try to hunt near or in a herd with many grown long necks, but they may have been looking to see if any curious adventurous young long necks went into the caves, which would make a tasty meal they maybe were thinking, and they met our group.
The group could meet Ali, or her herd, once they exit the caves. Just an idea.